SkyRise Chicago 2024: A Record-Breaking $1.3 Million Raised for Shirley Ryan AbilityLab
A Day of Perseverance and Philanthropy
To climb 105 stories is no joke, but Sunday at the Willis Tower brought about good vibes in the name of a great cause for the 16th iteration of SkyRise Chicago.
Supporting a Great Cause
Kyle Bisping and others like him participated in the stair-climbing event, which aims to raise money for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab – one of the nation’s leading medical research and recovery centers regarding spinal cord, brain, and nervous system injuries, as well as several other areas of emphasis.
Programs and Services
"The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab offers vocational rehabilitation programs, adaptive sports, and adaptive fitness," Bisping said of the organization’s services. "Some of those non-traditional services that play such an important role for our hospital … Our mission is to advance human ability."
A Growing Event
This year, SkyRise Chicago raised more than $1.3 million, thanks to the event’s growing popularity, and some added help from local celebrities. "I remember the first year there was maybe 500 people here," said Mike Dineen, who’s participated in the event every year since its inception. "Now, there’s over 2,000."
Celebrity Participants
Naperville native, actor Bob Odenkirk was among those who lent their celebrity and sweat to the event on Sunday. Odenkirk climbed stairs on location for a project he’s a part of in Canada, but his sister, Maria, took part in the event back in the city.
Personal Connection
"I’m in the top 5% of those who would survive the kind of stroke that I had," Maria Odenkirk said. Shirley Ryan AbilityLab played a major role in her recovery, and it’s why she makes a point to participate in SkyRise Chicago.
Recovery and Perseverance
"It’s the small things in recovering from life’s biggest challenges that made raising the money and making the climb a big reward for the more than 2,000 people who showed up," said Randy Stancik, General Manager of SkyDeck Chicago. "It’s one thing to look at the building and realize what you climbed and what you accomplished. But then you get to the top and see far. You really get a perspective of what you just did."
Conclusion
The 16th annual SkyRise Chicago event was a resounding success, raising a record-breaking $1.3 million for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. The event’s growth and popularity are a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting this important cause. With the proceeds, the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab will continue its mission to advance human ability and improve the lives of those affected by spinal cord, brain, and nervous system injuries.
FAQs
- What is SkyRise Chicago?
SkyRise Chicago is an annual stair-climbing event that raises money for the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab. - What is the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab?
The Shirley Ryan AbilityLab is one of the nation’s leading medical research and recovery centers regarding spinal cord, brain, and nervous system injuries, as well as several other areas of emphasis. - How much money was raised in the 16th annual SkyRise Chicago event?
Over $1.3 million was raised in the 16th annual SkyRise Chicago event.
