STEPS THAT MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Join Samaritan Center on Friday, September 11, 2026, as we commemorate the 25th anniversary of 9/11 by climbing the 419 stairs of the iconic 25-story Observation Tower at Circuit of The Americas.
Honor the lives lost, remember the courage of the first responders who made the ultimate sacrifice, and help support the ongoing mental health needs of veterans, first responders, military service members, and their families.
Participants will climb the 25-story Observation Tower once or challenge themselves with four to five ascents, a distance comparable to the 110 stories of the World Trade Center towers.
Whether you participate as an individual, gather a team of coworkers, friends, or family, or volunteer to support the event, your involvement helps provide life-changing mental health services for those who have served our communities and our country.
SCHEDULE
7:30 AM Check-in
8:00 AM Opening remarks and COTA Tower is open for climbing
10:00 AM COTA Tower is closed for climbing
COTA TOWER
Towering 251 feet above the Austin skyline, the iconic COTA Observation Tower stands the height of 25 stories. Its staircase has 419 steps leading to an observation deck with panoramic views.
BENEFITING SAMARITAN CENTER
Samaritan Center's Hope for Heroes program offers mental health services to veterans, military service members, first responders, their children and spouses and treats the whole person - mind, body, spirit and community. Learn more at Samaritan-Center.org.
STEPS OF REMEMBRANCE - Participate from Anywhere
The challenge creates an opportunity for schools, VFW Posts, organizations, families, veterans, first responders, and community members to participate—even if they are unable to attend the physical climb at COTA. Participating groups can:
• Create a team representing their school or organization
• Set a fundraising goal of their choice
• Complete their Steps of Remembrance at school, home, a park, the workplace, or another location
• Track their progress toward a symbolic 2,200-step benchmark, representing approximately 110 stories
• Share photos, videos, step totals, and fundraising milestones using hashtag #StepsOfRemembrance
