American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

What is Fight For Air Climb?

Fight For Air Climbs are unique fundraising events for the American Lung Association.  They usually happen in prominent skyscrapers, stadiums or arenas and involve climbing multiple steps.  Sometimes called a "vertical road race", teams and individual participants can use the event as a fitness target, as a race, with you challenging yourself or you racing against other people, or as a great way to be active and meet new friends.  We know a lot about lung disease, but there is so much we don't know.  Your participation will raise the funds necessary to provide live saving education, research and advocacy so we can beat lung disease and soon find a cure.

Is there a team registration and/or participant fee?

There is no fee to register a team, but each person registering for the Climb is required to pay a fee to participate.

$15  up until 12/15/11 (enter code CLIMB2012)
$25  Starting 12/16/11

How do I sign up?

Visit the "Sign Up" section on the main page and select the option that is most appropriate to you.  To find step-by-step instruction guides, click here.

Is there a fundraising minimum?

Yes, $100 (in addition to the registration fee).  But don't worry, raising $100 is easier than you think.  Ask 10 friends for $10 or start by making a $25 sponsorship to yourself, then get 3 other sponsors for $25.  Coaching packets and trainings are available.  Please contact our office at (213)384-5864  for more details or click here to be taken to the Fundraising Tips page.

What happens if I don't reach my $100 minimum?

If you have not raised your $100 minimum by the day of the Climb, the participant will be asked to make up the balance, either via credit card, check or cash.  You will not be allowed to Climb if you have not raised $100 and are unprepared to turn in the difference on the day of the event.  No Exceptions!

I've registered, but now unable to attend.  Can I get a refund?

We are sorry, but registration fees and donations made to you are non-refundable and non-transferable.  Please consider your registration fee a donation to the American Lung Association.

How do my donations help?

With the generous support of people like you, the American Lung Association in California saves lives by fighting for healthy lungs and healthy air.  Today, our fight is more important than ever.  Eighty-one cents of every dollar raised by our organization goes directly to education, research and advocacy.  Click here to read inspiring stories of Why We Climb.

Where do I send my donations?

You can send your donations to:
American Lung Association in California
Attn: Fight For Air Climb
3325 Wilshire Blvd., Suite 900
Los Angeles, CA 90010

Click here for a pledge form to make your donation collection process easy.

What is a Team Captain?

Being a team captain is easy.  Captains gather together a few friends or family members and encourage them to participate in the event together.  Each team captain helps to coordinate the online registration of these friends as well as setting a goal for the team overall.  Team captains should encourage their participants to personalize their fundraising pages, send e-mails to their friends and family, hit their overall goals, show up to the event and have a great time.  Some team captains organize gatherings before or after the Climb for their team members, but this is not required.  Sometimes the team captain serves as a representative at the annual event kickoff luncheon.  In short, we need help to rally the troops and the best people for the job are always our team captains.

How long is the Climb?

The AON Center is the 2nd tallest building in Los Angeles, standing 858 feet.  63 stories (finishing on the roof) or 1,377 steps.  If you can walk a 5k, you can complete this Climb.

Do I have to walk back down the stairs once I get to the top?

No, you will take a relaxing ride back down the elevator.

How much time will I have at the top to enjoy the view?

You will have only a minute or so to enjoy the view from the top before you are asked to head down to the after party.  With close to 1,000 people expected, we want to ensure the safety of each participant, as well as follow the rules of the fire department and control the amount of people on the roof. 

What time should I be there?

Registration begins at 8:00am.  First wave of climbers starts at 9:30 am.  We ask that you arrive 45 minutes before your wave time.  This gives you time to check your gear, warm up and find your team.  Start times will be assigned the Thursday prior to the event and will be posted online, as well as e-mailed to you.  An e-mail will go out that day to participants with a direct link to start times.  Each participant will also be assigned a "wave number" along with their start time.  It is important to remember both our start time and wave number.  Teams will receive the same start time and wave number.

Where should I park?

Parking is available for $5 at 637 Wilshire Blvd. Entrance to the garage is between Hope Street and S. Grand Ave.  Payment method is cash only.  Exact change preferred.

What do I bring with me on the day of the event?

Please bring any fundraising dollars you have collected and not yet turned in.  Please bring a roster of your team members if you are the captain as well as how much each person raised if not already online.  You may wish to bring a bottle of water and wear sunscreen depending on the conditions for the day, but most importantly, please bring a positive attitude and lots of energy!

Is there a gear check for items I don't want to Climb with?

Yes.  You may check-in your personal belongings you don't want to carry up with you on the Climb.  In the interest of time and organization, please bring only necessary items with you to the Climb to keep our gear check as minimal as possible.  With an expected 1,000 people we want to be mindful of your belongings and time.

Are water bottles allowed while Climbing?

No.  Due to safety concerns, water bottles are not allowed in the building while you climb.  Water stations are available for you on floors 14, 23, 32, 43 and 53 as well as at the top and bottom of the tower.

Where do I get my timing chip?

Timing chips are given out the day of the Climb in the registration area.  The chips are NOT disposable this year, so they will be collected at the conclusion of your climb.

Will my team be Climbing together?

All climbers are given start times based on their 2011 finishing time and the climb option you/your team has chosen during registration (recreational or competitive climber).  Each participant will also be assigned a "wave number" along with their start time.  It is important to remember both your start time and wave number.  Teams will receive the same start time and wave number.  Elite Climbers will go first, Firefighters will go in the last wave time.

Are pets allowed?

No.

Is there a hotel sponsor offering discount hotel rooms?

Yes!  The Sheraton Downtown (711 Hope St.) has a courtesy block of rooms held for our Climbers.  Since it's a courtesy block, the rate and rooms are based on availability, so book early.  Room rates are $139 per night plus 15.58% occupancy tax and come with complimentary internet and self parking.  Valet is $15.

• 72 hour cancellation for individual reservations
• The cut-off date is 3/2/12.  Because it is a courtesy block, the rate and rooms are based on availability.
• To make reservations call: 800-228-3000.  Ask for Fight for Air Climb to get the reduced rate.