On September 25, 2026, roughly 3,000 people gathered at the U.S. Bank Tower in Los Angeles for the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA Stair Climb. The event raised money for community services by challenging participants to ascend 75 floors.
The 1,664-step ascent of the U.S. Bank Tower
The physical scale of the event was matched by its ambition, as participants tackled a total of 1,664 steps to reach the summit of the U.S. Bank Tower. According to the report, about 3,000 individuals took part in the challenge,which spanned 75 floors of the Los Angeles landmark. The event was designed to be inclusive, offering a less strenuous alternative known as the Urban Hike, a self-guided scenic walk that shared the same starting and ending points as the main climb.
This massive gathering was documented by Sarah Reingewirtz of the Los Angeles Daily News/SCNG, who captured the efforts of climbers including Kathryn Handler, Jenny Moro, Robert Wieder, Mark Ewell, Nadia Sohail, Jillian Fowler, and Lucie Murray. The sheer volume of participants suggests a strong regional appetite for high-visibility, physical philanthropy in the heart of the city.
Nayar Brera and the 160-pound firefighter's challenge
While many climbed for fitness, a specialized group of first responders turned the ascent into a test of professional endurance. As the report says, Nayar Brera, a firefighter from Ontario, carried a staggering 160 pounds of weight while climbing the 75 flights. This level of exertion highlights the extreme physical demands placed on emergency personnel, transforming a fundraiser into a demonstrtaion of vocational strength.
The intensity of the climb was further evidenced by the experience of Justin Spina, a captain with the Los Angeles Fire Department. Captain Spina carried 60 pounds of gear up the stars and required assistance to cool down after completing the ascent. These displays of endurance serve as a visceral reminder of the physical toll of firefighting, integrated here into a community-focused event.
Funding the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA's low-cost community programs
The 33rd annual Stair Climb is more than a fitness event; it is a critical financial pillar for the Ketchum-Downtown YMCA. The proceeds from the climb are dedicated to supporting free and low-cost programs specifically designed for children, teens, families, and seniors in the Downtown Los Angeles area.. By utilizing the U.S. Bank Tower, the organization leverages a corporate landmark to fund social safety nets.
This event reflects a broader trend of "landmark philanthropy," where urban centers use their architectural icons to draw attention to grassroots social needs. In an era where community cennters often struggle for consistent funding, these high-profile annual events create a predictable surge of capital and public awareness that sustains essential services for the city's most vulnerable populations.
The missing total for the 33rd annual fundraiser
Despite the impressive turnout of 3,000 participants, several key details remain absent from the current reporting.. Most notably, the source does not disclose the specific dollar amount raised during the 2026 event, leaving it unclear if this 33rd iteration outperformed previous years. Furthermore, there is no breakdown of how the funds are allocated among the various programs for youth and seniors, nor is there a statement from the U.S. Bank Tower management regarding the corporate partnership's role in the event's logistics.
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