Chelan firefighters prepare for Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb with local fundraiser

CHELAN – Chelan Fire and Rescue firefighters are preparing to take on the Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb, an annual fundraiser benefiting the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society in March. 

To support their participation, local winery Hard Row to Hoe is hosting a fundraising event on Feb. 22 from 2 to 5 p.m., featuring an auction and raffle with donations from local businesses.

The Seattle Firefighter Stairclimb is scheduled for March 9 at the Columbia Center in Seattle. Participants climb 69 flights of stairs or 1,356 steps and gain 788 feet in elevation, all while wearing full firefighting gear weighing approximately 65 pounds.

Chelan Firefighters Local has been sending a team to the event nearly every year for the past decade, with 2025 marking their sixth consecutive year of participation. This year, six firefighters from Chelan will compete: Captain Taylor Rains, Firefighter/EMT Sam Belsky, Firefighter/EMT Duke Odenrider, Firefighter/EMT Brandon Fogelson, Firefighter/EMT Chris Colbert, and Firefighter/EMT Houston Stodghill.

“It is safe to say that cancer has impacted everyone in some way, and many of us personally know someone affected by leukemia,” Belsky said. “During the climb, many participants honor their loved ones by placing pictures on their helmets of those currently battling or who have passed away, dedicating the climb to them.” 

“Throughout the 69 floors, countless pictures of people from all over the US who are either fighting or have lost their battle,” he said. “It is a great reminder of why events like these are important - awareness and research truly save lives. We are honored to be able to take part in this event and support those in need.”

Last year, the Chelan team raised more than $11,000 for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Their 2025 goal is to increase that amount to $15,000.

"Our event would not be possible without the amazing support we receive from local businesses who continue to donate items to our auction and raffle," Belsky said.

This year’s fundraising kickoff took place during the Chelan Winterfest, where firefighters climbed a stair machine in full gear outside Lake Chelan Sports and raised more than $2,000. 

Hard Row to Hoe winery hopes to build on that success with their fundraising, featuring auction items and raffle prizes donated by local businesses, including Elevate, Wenatchee Wild, Mission Ridge, Skydive Chelan, and many more, said Jasmine Shattuck with Hard Row to Hoe Winery.

“This event is aimed at raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society,” Shattuck said. “We will have live music by Mac Potts, food from Toast 'n' Buggy, and auction items donated from across the Valley.”

“As Sam mentioned, this is a great cause because we all know someone who has been affected by cancer or has experienced its impact firsthand,” she said. “This will be a family-friendly event, featuring fire trucks, Sparky the dog, s'mores, and some of our firefighters for the community to meet and hang out with.” 

The winery hopes to grow the auction and make it an annual event to support Chelan firefighters in fundraising efforts.

“It is open to the public, and we hope to do everything we can to help those in need,” Shattuck said.

To support the  Chelan team, visit https://events.lls.org/pages/wa/firefighterstairclimb25/ChelanFireRescue

For more information on the event, contact Chelan Fire and Rescue at (509) 682-4476.

Quinn Propst: 509-731-3590 or quinn@ward.media