“Bop to the Top” raising money for Riley Hospital

2024’s Riley Hero is champion powerlifter Josh Jennings. (Photo provided)

Tuxedo Brothers will once again play host to the annual Bop to the Top Stair Climb in 2024. Bop to the Top is scheduled to take place Saturday, Jan. 20 beginning at 8:30 a.m. at the One America Tower, located at 200 N. Illinois St. in downtown Indianapolis.

Registration and fundraising information can be found at tuxbro.com. Early Bird registration and pricing ends Dec. 31, so hurry and register for this outstanding event helping raise funds for Riley Children’s Foundation. It is also necessary to register by Jan. 11 to guarantee your shirt.

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.

The Carr brothers, along with their team of employees, say they are honored 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,” he 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 his or her own experience as a child with Riley – is selected. This year’s Riley Hero is Josh Jennings of Terre Haute. He is a champion powerlifter who holds seven state records and one world record.

Jennings 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 said he is looking 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 5K’s, half-marathons, full marathons, triathlons and more on their website.