There’s still time to participate in the Tuxedo Brothers’ annual Bop to the Top Stair Climb benefiting Riley Children’s Foundation. Bop to the Top is scheduled to take place Saturday, Jan. 20, beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the One America Tower, 200 N. Illinois St., Indianapolis.
Registration and fundraising information can be found at tuxbro.com, Tuxedo Brothers’ website. Participants are invited to climb the 36 floors of the OneAmerica Tower. There are 780 steps in all. All ages and abilities are welcome. The climb can be made as an individual or as part of a team.
This incredible event, now in its 41st year, is a third-party fundraiser for the Riley Children’s Foundation. Over $1 million has been raised so far for the Foundation. Tuxedo Brothers is an event management company owned and operated by brothers Don and Phil Carr. Since 1984, Tuxedo Brothers has managed more than 1,000 runs, walks and triathlons benefiting service and charitable organizations.
Don and Phil, along with their team of employees, say they are honored that they have had the opportunity to host this fundraising event each year. Don, who serves as President of Tuxedo Brothers, said he is extremely pleased to be part of this legacy.
“I can’t tell you what it means to be a part of such a meaningful event,” Carr said. “To be able to help Riley Children’s Foundation work toward their mission is what it’s all about.”
Riley Children’s Foundation is the fundraising arm of Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and the founding organization that opened Riley Hospital in 1924. Today, Riley Hospital is recognized as one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation and is the only comprehensive children’s research hospital in the state of Indiana.
Each year, as part of the Bop to the Top event, a “Riley Hero” – an individual who speaks about their own experience as a child with Riley – is selected. This year’s Riley Hero is Josh Jennings of Terre Haute.
Jennings is a champion powerlifter who holds seven state records and one world record. He has come a long way since he was diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia at the age of 6. He went through three years of chemotherapy at Riley Children’s Health, and today he is cancer free. He says he looks forward to sharing his Riley story and providing hope for others.
Tuxedo Brothers’ goal for 2024 is to raise at least $15,000. If you are interested in participating in the climb and collecting donations for Riley Children’s Foundation, you can set up a personal or corporate fundraising page. Collect donations from your friends, family, or co-workers by creating an online giving page.
Riley Children’s Foundation receives 100 percent of funds raised by individuals and teams who set up fundraising pages, so please consider the difference you can make in a child’s life. You can also bring your donations to the event site on Jan. 20.
IMPORTANT: Creating or joining a Team Fundraising page through Team Riley does not register you for the event. You must still complete the registration process. Volunteers are also needed for the event. Go to the registration page to volunteer, as well.
Overall and Age-Group awards will be provided for those who want to get competitive in Bop to the Top, but it is not required. Those who simply want to take their time and climb the stairs are also encouraged to come out.
Participants are encouraged to visit tuxbro.com for registration and updates on this and all Tuxedo Brothers’ events, or email Jason Springer at Jason@TuxBro.com. You can also check out future events, including several 5Ks, half-marathons, full marathons, triathlons and more on the website.