Scottsdale, AZ (September 19, 2023) –  Plexus Worldwide (Plexus®), a global health and wellness company, was the presenting sponsor of Salt River firefighters who raised over $115,000 at the 7th Annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Salt River Fields. The event, held September 9, benefited the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation and the Salt River Firefighters Relief Fund to support families of fallen members of the public safety community.

Plexus provided financial support and volunteers who helped register over 1,150 participants across Arizona and the nation. Participants carried a badge with the name and photo of a first responder who died in the World Trade Center while climbing 2,071 stairs, the equivalent of 110 stories – the estimated climb of first responders who worked diligently to rescue victims from the World Trade Center towers.

 “We climb with humility for those who gave their lives, and we will never forget the sacrifices of the first responders that we honor today,” said Christopher Reid, Chief Legal Officer at Plexus, in a presentation during the event. “I am proud of everyone who came out tonight in extreme temperatures because we share a passion with everyone here and all public servants who are deeply committed to our community.”

 “The events that took place on 9/11 are one of the reasons I became a fireman, so it’s incredible to see so many people in our community come out to support our men and women who put their lives on the line every day,” said Riley Murph, Captain of Salt River Fire Department and event organizer.

 Many firefighters in the event wore their gear, which weighed approximately 60 pounds. Some also carried depleted air tanks with a loud alert ring, the same sound that could be heard coming from the debris after the World Trade Center towers fell.

 “We are honored to be the presenting sponsor of this meaningful event again this year,” said Elizabeth Woods, Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility for Plexus. “The opportunity to commemorate the fallen firefighters and victims of 9/11 locally with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation is of true significance for the Plexus Community.”

 In addition, Fry’s Food Stores donated 4,000 water bottles and an emergency tent, which provided shade for the participants. The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community operates the Salt River Field facilities, where the annual event has been hosted for 7 years.

About the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community:

The Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community (SRPMIC) is represented by two distinct Native American tribes: the Akimel O’odham (River People), known as the Pima, and the Xalychidom Piipaash (People Who Live Toward the Water), known as the Maricopa. Both share the same cultural values but maintain their unique traditions. Today, more than 10,000 individuals are enrolled Salt River tribal members.

The SRPMIC is bordered by Tempe, Fountain Hills, and Mesa and shares a Scottsdale address. The Community owns and operates several successful enterprises, including Talking Stick Resort, Talking Stick Golf Club, and Salt River Fields at Talking Stick, all within the Talking Stick Entertainment District. The culture and history of the people are important stories to tell and have been interwoven at many of the destination amenities through interior art, building design, and landscape.