Space Needle Foundation Donates $510,000 to Fred Hutch

SEATTLE  — Nov. 25, 2015 — On Oct. 3, almost 1,200 participants climbed the 832 stairs of Seattle’s landmark Space Needle, raising more than $510,000 for cancer research at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center.

This first-ever Base 2 Space stair climb brought climbers from 21 states and two Canadian provinces eager to climb from the base of the iconic Space Needle to the observation deck located 520 feet above ground. Built in 1962 for the World’s Fair, the Space Needle helps to make Seattle one of the most recognizable skylines in the world.

“On behalf of the Base 2 Space climbers, donors, volunteers, partners and the Space Needle Foundation, this check for $510,000 is a reflection of our support for the lifesaving work being done at Fred Hutch,” said Jeff Wright, Space Needle chairman of the board. “The Space Needle is proud to be a contributing member of the local community and we look forward to hosting Seattle’s ‘Most Iconic Climb’ for many years.”

Climbers ascended the outdoor staircases at the Space Needle in four waves — from a group of elite competitors to walkers who took full advantage of the 360-degree city views available throughout the ascent.

“Unlike indoor stair climbs, Base 2 Space offers sweeping views of our gorgeous city throughout the challenge. Many climbers commented on how refreshing this climb was with open-air and so many things to look at the whole way up,” Wright said.

Many climbers participated in support of cancer research happening at Fred Hutch in Seattle.

“We are so grateful to all the climbers and donors who helped to make this not just a wonderful event, but a boost to the lifesaving research we are doing at Fred Hutch,” said Dr. Gary Gilliland, Fred Hutch’s president and director. “Private support is critical to helping accelerate the pace of discovery, and the generosity of the Space Needle’s owners, the Space Needle Foundation, and Base 2 Space participants is meaningful.”

Base 2 Space is set to be an annual opportunity to climb the Space Needle on the first Saturday of October. In addition to the climb, the top fundraisers will get to walk around the Space Needle’s “Halo”— the outermost ring on the Observation Deck, an experience very few people can claim – in April during the anniversary of the opening of the 1962 World's Fair.

About the Space Needle

The Space Needle is the celebrated icon of Seattle, second only to the Eiffel Tower in Paris as the most easily identified global skyline feature. Built for the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, it continues to symbolize the leading-edge innovation and technology that the city is known for and serves as a beacon into the future.