American Lung Association - Fighting for Air

FAQ

Thirty-five million Americans are living with chronic lung diseases such as asthma, lung cancer and COPD. By registering for Scale the Strat, you are taking the steps to end lung disease.

Where is the Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower located?
The Stratosphere is located at 2000 Las Vegas Blvd. South, at the North end of the Strip. Free parking is available.

Do you offer an Early Bird registration discount?

Yes, the Early Bird registration fee is $40 and you must fundraise $150. You must register by December 31, 2011 to take advantage of the Early Bird discounts. After December 31, 2011, the registration fee is $50.  PLEASE NOTE: THE REGULAR REGISTRATION FEE WILL INCREASE FROM $50 TO $75 THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

FUNDRAISING
Scale the Strat is an exciting fundraising event for the American Lung Association in Nevada. All climbers are encouraged to collect donations to support the fight against lung disease. With this online event management system, all climbers have a webpage for this purpose. Participants are encouraged to personalize their webpage with a photo and text about their motivations for climbing. In addition, climbers are able to send e-mails to friends and family asking for support, and to receive online credit card donations. Any offline donations (cash or checks) that are collected can be mailed in to the American Lung Association in Nevada.

 
How do I track my pledges?
All event participants will have access to the ALANV online fundraising tracking tool. As part of the e-mail confirmation of your registrations, we have included a link to this tool. This is a user-friendly tool and a great way to gain support from your friends and family for this event.

How long can I collect pledges and still receive the incentive prizes?
We encourage you to continue to fundraise over the suggested $150 minimum until April 9, 2012. Through your efforts, the American Lung Association in Nevada continues our research in the control and prevention of lung disease. If you wish 100% of your fundraising total to be applied to American Lung Association programs, you may choose NOT to redeem your incentive certificate.

Are donations tax deductible?
Yes, donations to this event are tax deductible. Donor receipts are available by request. Please make checks payable to the American Lung Association in Nevada (ALANV).

Where and when do I turn in my collected pledges?
Pledges made online will be paid by credit or debit card. Pledges collected via check or cash may be mailed in ahead of time or turned in on the day of the event. Please retain a copy of all donations for your record keeping.
Acceptable forms of donations include:
Cash, personal/business checks, MasterCard and Visa. We prefer all donations be made via our online fundraising tool via credit/debit card.
You may continue to collect pledges even after event day. April 9, 2012 is the last day for the ALANV to have received all pledges in order to be eligible for incentive prizes.
Pledges can be mailed (with the exception of cash) to: (please indicate the name of the climber to credit in the memo section of the check)

American Lung Association in Nevada

Attn: Scale the Strat
3552 W. Cheyenne Ave.
Ste. 130
North Las Vegas, NV 89032

Fundraising is easier than it sounds - all you have to do is ask. If you ask 10 people for $20 you will raise $200. It's that simple! If you don't ask for support, people won't know you're doing something wonderful that deserves their support. Plus, you can do all of your fundraising online by using the online event management system. When you registered you received a personal webpage which you can personalize with a photo and text about your motivations for climbing. In addition, climbers are able to send e-mails to friends and family asking for support, and to receive online credit card pledges.
The deadline for submitting your fundraising minimum of $150 is March 4, 2012. To be calculated into your total for the purpose of incentive prizes, additional funds must be received by April 9, 2012. Any funds received after April 9, 2012 will not be counted towards your incentive prizes, but will be greatly appreciated.

The Fundamentals of Fundraising
Every participant in the American Lung Association in Nevada Scale the Strat event is asked to raise money to fund education, advocacy and research for healthy lungs and clean air by asking for tax deductible donations from family, friends, co-workers, and other people in your lives. To help you to be successful, we offer the following fundraising basics:
Getting Started: It's all about Asking!
Perhaps the most important but most overlooked key to successful fundraising is the ASK. Don't assume that because you're excited about the event and you've shared your fundraising goals that friends and family will automatically give you a donation. You must ask.
Ask, and ask BIG!
You know what most people can give. Ask appropriately, but always ask for more than you expect to receive. If you ask for $100, they may give you $50, but if you ask that same person for $25, they will give you $25, even though they can give more. Don't be afraid to ask, and don't take rejections personally. Not everyone can or wants to give; simply go on to the next person on your list. Remember, your friends, family and co-workers want to make a difference, too!
Step #1:
Create a list of people to ask. Think of friends, family, business associates, your company, community groups, workout buddies, businesses you patronize, etc. Be creative and thoughtful in your list and give yourself flexibility to add more people to the list at another time. The important step to take is action, and by beginning a list, you've commenced motion.
Step #2:
Now start asking. There are several ways to ask: in person, on the phone, via e-mail, or in a letter. The most effective way is to send an email explaining that you are going to climb 1455 stairs to raise money for clean air and healthy lungs, and that you invite them to donate to your effort. After two weeks have gone by, begin calling these people (or, if you run into them, talk in person, or e-mail them again) to remind them and ask them if they would like to pledge you for a specific amount. By taking your fundraising seriously, your supporters will pledge you seriously.
It's as easy as that.
Honest. Some of our biggest fundraisers simply write a compelling email and follow it up with a call, a visit, or another e-mail. Once you see how easy it is, you'll remember people you forgot to ask.
Other ideas that work:
Pledge to yourself first! You first donation should be from you. You know your financial abilities; give the most you can. It's more convincing to others that you believe in what you're doing if you sponsor yourself.
Ask your sponsors to dedicate their donation to someone they know who has or had lung disease or someone they hope will never contract it (a child, husband/wife, or parent). Tell them that you will dedicate a portion of your climb to this person.
Take a potential sponsor out to lunch and ask for a large pledge ($500).
Find out if your company has a matching gift volunteer recognition program. After all, as a Stair Climber, you are a volunteer of the American Lung Association. Many companies offer cash recognition for volunteer services.
Network with friends to see if they know any companies that give to charities.
If your birthday or a major holiday falls before the climb, ask for pledges instead of gifts.
Get on the agenda of your local service club. They might vote to support you.
Encourage your supporters to donate online. You will instantly see their contribution applied to your total.
Here are the steps to get your fundraising campaign up and climbing! Our online system allows you to personalize your webpage, send emails to your friends and family asking for their support.
From the Scale the Strat home page, find the section entitled "Participant Login."
Log in using the username and password that appears on your confirmation email. (If you forgot your username and password, you are able to have it emailed to you from the "Main Login" page.)
After logging on, click on "Personalize my fundraising page"
Using Online Tools:
Personalize your page by using photos from the image library provided or upload your own photos! Why not put a picture of yourself on your webpage?! Edit the text message to add your own personal message. Tell why you're climbing the Stratosphere. Have you been touched by lung disease? Tell your story.
Send Emails to Friends and Family:
E-mail your contacts to ask for their support. Use the Address Book or enter a quick list of email addresses. The email that you send to your friends and family includes a direct link to your personal donation page. They can make a donation to you right then using a credit card! This is a secure process--no personal information will be shared.
We encourage all climbers and sponsors to send in check donations collected to our office as soon as possible. Please make sure to include your name in the memo section so we know to whom the pledges should be credited.
Incentive Prizes: 

All climbers are eligible to earn incentive prizes based on the amount of funds collected. The $150 fundraising minimum will be included in your fundraising totals and you will receive an official Scale the Strat short-sleeve t-shirt. Please note that although it is reflected on your personal webpage as part of your total amount raised, the registration portion of your entry fee does not count toward incentive prizes.

What is Scale the Strat? And who can participate?
Scale the Strat is the American Lung Association in Nevada's competitive stair climb. Individuals and teams will race up the Stratosphere Observation Tower inside staircase, while raising money to fund lung health research, education and advocacy in Southern Nevada.
Climbers will climb 1455 steps which equals 108 floors! Once the climbers are in the tower core, there is no exit point unless there is a medical emergency. Because of the unique location of the climb, special considerations need to be taken before you should register.

Are you afraid of heights, suffer from vertigo or are claustrophobic? The staircases that you will climb up a majority of the time are free standing and not flush against a wall. You are ascending at a rate of approximately 15 ft in height every flight. If you are afraid of heights this is not the climb for you. If you have problems with confined spaces, this is not the climb for you.
This event is unique and fun and celebrates expert athletes with exemplary lung health. Funds raised help aid the American Lung Association's mission of "Fighting For Air."
Who:
Elite athletes, age 18 and older are welcome to train, form a team and register for Scale the Strat. Encourage friends, family, colleagues and others to either join you, or form a team of their own and create some friendly competition.
Health Club　Challenge:　
Build a team of four health club employees or members for　our Health Club Challenge.　 The top three　Health Club　Teams will be awarded.
Team members will be assigned consecutive start times. Each climber is responsible for their individual registration fee and minimum fundraising requirement.
General　Teams: 

Build a team of four to step up for lung health! Your team may be competitive, non-competitive, family, friends, or corporate. The top three　general　teams will be awarded. Team members will be assigned consecutive start times. Each climber is responsible for their individual registration fee and minimum fundraising requirement.
Team Benefits and Information:
We appreciate your hard work in coordinating your family, friends, and co-workers to participate in the Scale the Strat as members of a team.
Team Benefits include:
1) Coordinated start times so all team members can climb together.
2) Opportunity to design special "team" shirts or costumes to wear on event day.
3) The unbeatable support from your fellow team members as you climb 1455 stairs!!!
To be a team captain, you must register BEFORE your other team members and create the team. Once the team has been created, other team members are able to join your team. Please note: Entering a "recruitment" goal does not reserve that number of spaces for your team members. Registering before the event fills to capacity is the ONLY way to guarantee a climbing space. It is the responsibility of your team members to register before the event fills to capacity.
Start Times and Packet Pick-Up:
Starting times will be assigned the Monday before the climb. Participants will receive their starting time via email and times will be posted on the event website. There is no pre-event packet pick-up for this event. Bib numbers, timing chip, and event shirt will be provided at check-in on event day. Participants should plan to check-in at the event 1 hour prior to their start time.
When:
Saturday, March 3, 2012, 400 climbers will tackle the Tower.
Sunday, March 4, 2012, the top 50 climbers from Saturday will climb off again for fabulous prizes
Saturday: Registration starts at 7 am - first step 9am
Sunday: Registration starts at 9am - first step 10am
For climbers planning on spending the weekend in Las Vegas, The Stratosphere Hotel and Casino is offering a special "Jump" package.
The Course:
The event does not have a "marathon" start. Climbers will take off in 30 second intervals creating staggered starts. Scale the Strat is an IPICO® Sports Timing timed event. The timing is professionally done using specially designed computer chips (worn around your ankle only). There will be EMS/Medical personnel stationed every few floors. Water CAN NOT be taken into the stairwell. The stairwells will be mopped prior to the event to eliminate dust. At the finish line climbers will return their ChampionChip®. If you neglect to return your ChampionChip®, you will be fined. Hand rails are on either side; you pass ONLY on the left.
PASSING
- Climbers are asked to pass on the left and to notify other climbers they are doing so by saying "PASS" or "PASSING".
STAIRWELLS
- Hydrating stations will be provided just before climbing and once you reach the top.
START LINE
- After you complete registration and receive your bib and timing chip, you will be directed to the elevator bank. You will have to go through a metal detector first.
BATHROOMS
- Bathrooms are located in various locations in the casino and up on the observation desk once you complete the climb.
TURNING AROUND
- Once you have started ascending the stairs you may not turn around and go down the stairs. If you need assistance or to leave the climb, see the medical personnel located every few floors.
WATER
- Water stations are set up near registration and up on the top observation deck when you complete the climb. Water CANNOT be taken into the stairwell.
AGE GROUPS AND AWARDS
All participants will be divided into the following age groups for award purposes: 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+
Personalized awards will be given to Climbers in each of the following categories:
· 1st Place Overall Male/Female
· 2nd Place Overall Male/Female
· 3rd Place Overall Male/Female
Fastest Male/Female Climber in each of the following age groups:
· 18-29
· 30-39
· 40-49
· 50-59
· 60-69
· 70+
Team Awards are given in the following categories:
Highest Fundraising Team
Health Club Challenge
Fastest Team (based on top 5 racing times)
Top individual fundraiser
Day of Event FAQs
How to Make Sure You Take All the Right Steps!
DONATIONS
- All donations can be turned in at the registration table. To be eligible for an incentive prize, you must turn in all pledges no later than April 4, 2012.
FIREFIGHTERS, POLICE, EMS
- Are NOT permitted to climb in their gear and or uniforms. Bunk shirts are acceptable.

Building Security
For your safety, Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower has adopted strict security measures for this event. Please be advised that all personal belongings are subject to search when going through the metal detector before you enter the stairwell.
GEAR CHECK
- Is located at registration. It is strongly suggested that climbers DO NOT check any items. The American Lung Association in Nevada and the Stratosphere Hotel, Casino & Tower will not be responsible for any lost or stolen items. Please leave all valuables, purses, coats, wallets, etc. in your hotel room, at home, in your vehicle or with your guest(s).
Climbers are NOT permitted to carry anything up the stairwell: water bottles, camel packs, backpacks, infants/children, cell phones, cameras or any electronic devices or portable music devices such as MP3 players, iPods, etc. will not be permitted. This will be strictly enforced. Fanny packs will be permitted for the purposes of carrying identification and keys ONLY. Fanny packs will be inspected.
Proper closed-toe, athletic footwear is mandatory. Sandals are NOT permitted.
Do NOT bring valuable belongings to the stair climb. Gear check must be minimal to ensure a speedy process; therefore, it is primarily for jackets, sweats, and street shoes and all electronic devices. Everything must be able to fit into a standard size shopping bag.
After Party
GUEST PASSES
- (For the Post Climb Celebration) are free-of-charge.
INFORMATION ABOUT THE PARTY/LOCATION ETC. Climbers can invite their non-climbing friends, family and co-workers to purchase guest passes so that they can join in the celebration.
Your bib number also serves as your entry pass into the party. Do not lose it after the climb.
AWARDS
PHOTOS
REGISTRATION
T-SHIRTS
VOLUNTEERS

Additional Questions
When does registration close? Will there be day of event registration?
Registration closes 30 minutes prior to the first climber. 400 climber limit. First come; first served.  PLEASE NOTE: THE REGISTRATION FEE WILL INCREASE FROM $50 TO $75 THE DAY OF THE EVENT.

Is there a minimum age to participate?
Participants must be at least 18 years old to climb
The carrying of infants and small children up the stairs is prohibited.
Appropriate Attire
Wear comfortable clothing, which is appropriate for a workout or run. Proper shoes are essential. Running, walking, or cross-training shoes are key to a successful climb. Bib numbers should be pinned on the front of your shirt. It is required that you securely attach your bib number to the front of your shirt with the safety pins provided in your race packet or at the registration area. All climbers must display their bib number during the event.
It is suggested that you wear comfortable clothing appropriate for an intense cardio workout. Make sure you wear breathable fabric and proper shoes are essential. Running, walking or cross training shoes are key to a successful climb. The stairwells are not heated or air conditioned, but due to the time of year it may be a little chilly when you start. However, you'll warm up quickly and welcome the cool air as you climb to the top!
FEES ARE NON-REFUNDABLE! If some unforeseen circumstance causes the climb to be canceled- e.g. medical emergency occurs during the climb, we will not refund your money and will consider it a donation to the American Lung Association in Nevada.
TIP: Event information will be communicated to you via email. Please adjust your email's "junk mail" settings to allow messages from
LAbramovitz@lungnevada.org 
Because we care, Scale the Strat is a SMOKE-FREE Event!

How will I know my start time?
One of the benefits of forming a team is that all team members will climb in consecutive order regardless of the order in which entries are received. Start times are assigned by date of registration.
Can I climb with my friends even though we aren't on a team together?
Unless you create a team with your friends, we cannot guarantee that you will climb with your friends. Every person climbing, whether as an individual or as a team, will start every 30 seconds. Due to safety reasons, you cannot run or walk the stairs side-by-side. Due to the large number of participants, start time requests cannot be accommodated.

What should I expect at the finish line?
At the finish line, you will be greeted with cheers and applause and immediately after you cross the timing mat, volunteers will ask you to stop for a moment so that your timing chip can be removed. You will then be taken to an area where you can rest for a minute, drink water and catch your breath! Enjoy the beautiful view of the Las Vegas Strip and surrounding mountain ranges from atop the Tallest Observation Tower in the U.S!

Can my friends and family be at the finish line?
Due to limited space, family and friends are not able to be at the finish line. There will be a special waiting area located inside the Theater of the Stars for guests who will be able to see your progress via video display.
 

What if I miss my start time?
If you miss your start time there is a possibility that you can race after the last scheduled climber at the end of the day. However, this cannot be guaranteed.

Can I get a refund if I am unable to make the race?
As a non-profit organization, the American Lung Association in Nevada considers the registration fee a donation and unfortunately, we cannot offer refunds.

What are the instructions and restrictions for the race?
All climbers should start their climb at their assigned start time. Start times are not flexible. Climbing the stairwells multiple times or going down the stairs is prohibited. You must take the elevator to return to the lobby level. You will not be permitted to exit the stairwell.

Will there be medical staff and security available?
Medical staff will be on-site for those who need any assistance throughout the event. An ambulance with paramedic staff will also be on-site. Any volunteers can assist you and put you in contact with medical personnel.
Stratosphere Hotel staff will be stationed throughout the tower to ensure your safety. Staff, volunteers and security will have radio communication in case of an emergency. All security procedures must be followed. If a medical staff member determines you should stop participation, you are absolutely required to stop, and not begin again unless authorized by the medical staff. If any Stratosphere Hotel staff determines for any reason that you not continue the climb (security reasons, not following instructions etc.), you will be immediately removed.

When will I know my finish time?
Finish times will be continuously updated on reader boards in the waiting lounge area and other areas through out the casino. Official finish times will be posted on www.lungnevada.org 1-3 days after the event.
TRAINING/PREPARATION
Proper training can help you avoid injuries during this challenge. Training in a safe, well-ventilated stairwell is ideal. Pacing yourself during the stair climb is key to successful completion-it is recommended that you walk throughout the event at an even pace. Starting at least two days before the event, drink plenty of water and continue hydrating throughout the climb. Also, refer to the training tips available on the event website.
We will be using IPICO® Sports Timing technology. Results will be continually updated during the event and displayed at various locations in the casino. Final times will be posted on the Scale the Strat website. Timing chips will be distributed on race day by the official timer of this event. Be sure that you securely attach your timing chip to your ankle. Participants who climb without a timing chip properly attached will not register an official time. If you need assistance with your timing chip, please visit the chip pick-up booth on event day. Participants will be billed a fee for any unreturned chips. Please ensure you do not leave the event with your timing chip.  We will do our best to have team members climb consecutively. All team members must check in by their assigned time to climb consecutively. Climbing will start in intervals.  There will be a 30-45 second delay between climbers.  Registration and Check-in will be outside at the East entrance across from the Ticket Center and Roxie's Diner.  Short sleeve shirts are available for Climbers who have met the $150 fundraising minimum. Participants can also see their results after the event online at www.lungnevada.org.