Retro Fitness, in collaboration with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation (NFFF), is urging communities nationwide to get together for its yearly 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs in honor of the 25th anniversary of Sept. 11. In addition to raising money to support the Foundation's purpose, the nationwide campaign invites members, first responders, and community members to recognize the bravery and sacrifice of those who answered the call on Sept. 11, 2001.

All Retro Fitness clubs will invite both members and non-members to participate in the symbolic ascent of 110 flights of stairs (2,071 steps) on Friday, Sept. 11. This event honors the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice and represents the height of the World Trade Center towers. Residents can sign up for the Memorial Stair Climb at the Retro Fitness location closest to them or via the club's special fundraising team page. Participants who have registered can also make a personal fundraising site, explain why they are climbing, and ask friends and family to join them. While supplies last, registered participants will receive a commemorative event T-shirt at participating sites.

Members and visitors can contribute to the project by making point-of-sale donations between Aug.15 and Sept. 15, with 100 percent of the earnings going to the NFFF. On Sept. 11, all first responders will have the opportunity to exercise for free as a thank you for their continuous service.

“This annual initiative holds deep significance for our Retro Fitness franchise family, our members and the neighborhoods we serve,” said Kim Gouch, chief brand officer of Retro Fitness. “We’re proud to partner with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation as we commemorate the 25th anniversary and honor the lives forever impacted by 9/11. It’s a meaningful reflection of our commitment to showing up for our communities and creating authentic connections that extend beyond the walls of our gyms.”

Retro Fitness is supporting the NFFF's #ForThe343 effort as part of the collaboration.  During the weekend of Sept.11–13, there will be over 115 official 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs across the nation. For the first time, anyone is welcome to participate from any location. Participants are urged to climb the equivalent of one flight of stairs, tweet a picture or brief video using the hashtag #ForThe343 and challenge three others to carry on the homage in local communities around the country, whether they are climbing at a Retro Fitness club, a local event or in their own neighborhood.

“We are proud to partner with Retro Fitness in this powerful act of remembrance,” said Victor Stagnaro, CEO of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. “As a nation we pledged to never forget those who lost their lives on 9/11, including 343 firefighters that day and hundreds more in the years since. As we approach the 25th anniversary, these climbs give anyone near a Retro Fitness location a chance to fulfill that promise. It’s one way we keep their legacies alive, as the proceeds raised from this initiative will go directly to helping Fire Hero Families and fire departments across the country.”

Visit retrofitness.com/donate to sign up for a Memorial Stair Climb at Retro Fitness or to contribute to the fundraising efforts of your neighborhood club. For additional information regarding the NFFF and its #ForThe343 movement, go here.