34th annual event – January 21 – One America Tower
More than 1,200 stair-climbers are expected to take the “Bop to the Top” challenge on Saturday, January 21, at One America Tower in downtown Indy in the 34th annual charity event that benefits Riley Hospital for Children. Participants will run, walk or crawl up 780 steps, covering 36 floors or 500 feet to the top of the Tower. Those that make it to the top receive a long-sleeve event t-shirt to commemorate the accomplishment.
The event will start at 8:30 a.m. and will include several local celebrity “boppers” – Runners Forum Mike “Smitty” Smith challenging American Dairy’s Buttercup, Kroger’s Kevin Kotansky and Eric Halvorson, Current Magazine’s Ann Marie Shambaugh and TownePost’s Demi Lawrence and Body by Crayton’s Andre Crayton. After morning of bopping up the stairs, an awards ceremony is planned for 12:30 p.m.
How long does it take? The men’s individual record is 3 minutes, 20 seconds. The women’s record is 4 minutes, 26 
seconds. Most of the participants take a little bit longer to reach the top.
Individuals and teams of four can still register for the event. Registration fees vary. More information can be found online: http://www.tuxbro.com
In addition to the open team division, there are special divisions for firefighters, family members, collegiate and masters. And for those that can’t get enough, there’s the Triple Step which participants do the route three times in a row! For those who want to cheer and encourage, we will have the Indy Eleven’s Kid’s Zone including American Dairy’s Top Hat Photo Booth with pictures with American Dairy’s Buttercup and many vendors for shopping.
Entry fees and sponsorships help raise funds for Riley. In the past three decades, more than $750,000 has been raised for the hospital. This year’s event is sponsored by: One America Financial Partners, Kroger, Team Ninja, Indy Eleven Kid’s Zone, Endurance House and Runners Forum, with other sponsors and floor sponsors.
Bop to the Top hosted by Tuxedo Brothers and owned by Don Carr has raised over $750,000 over the past 34 years for Riley Children’s Hospital. Several Riley families have bopped to help raise money too. Team Ninja bops with coins in their backpacks to help raise awareness and money for Riley. This is a team effort by many people led by Tuxedo Brothers!
Media is welcomed to cover the event. A freight elevator will be available to take you to the top of the tower. For more information or to schedule an interview, please contact Meg Gates Osborne, 317-590-7522, or by e-mail Meg@Megpromo.com
