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Locals keep memory of Carrico alive in Fight for Air Climb
Several Putnam County residents are choosing to keep alive the memory of longtime Greencastle firefighter Pat Carrico by participating in the "Fight for Air Climb" March 8 at the Indianapolis Chase Tower.
Spearheading Greencastle's All-American Karate Academy and Fitness team are Jason Morrissey and Rebecka Howard.
"In memory of Pat, several of us have started a team through the All-American Karate Academy and Fitness and doing the 47-floor climb for him," Howard told the Banner Graphic.
The idea however, originated from Morrissey who had recently completed his first stair climb, Bop to the Top, a few weeks prior.
"We did the Bop to the Top and Niki (St. Pierre) had mentioned to me about this Fight for Air Climb and at the time I wasn't sure if I wanted to do it," Morrissey explained.
"The following day, I was at work and I was feeling pretty good that I accomplished it, but felt I could do better. So, I talked to Becky about it, to see if she would go with me to just to kind of cheerlead, and she said 'if you're doing it, I'm doing it.'"
Once Morrissey had Howard on board, he approached All-American Karate Academy and Fitness owners Steve and Niki St. Pierre to see if they'd sponsor the team.
"Jason asked if All-American Karate could be the team and I said, of course," Niki explained. "It was a big snowball effect and we felt like it was the right thing to do that if we were going to sponsor a team, we should participate as well."
After gaining approval to create the team as well as some new team members, it dawned on Morrissey that this would be a perfect event to do in memory of his late friend Carrico.
"I had been out and I was driving home and I drove past where Pat Carrico used to live. It was a no-brainer," Morrissey said. "I worked with Pat as a reserve at the fire department for four years. I talked to Debbie (Pat's wife) first and asked her for approval first and then I went to the fire department."
Since then, word has spread fast throughout the community with many people signing up to participate in the event as well as many giving donations to help the team reach its fundraising goal.
The event itself is either a 47-, 94- or 141-floor stair climb. However, all participants must raise minimum of $100 in order to climb. All funds raised will go to the American Lung Association.
"It just kind of blew up," St. Pierre said. "A week later we have 24 people and we are in second place (with $3,491 raised so far) as far as fundraising and we plan on taking first."
In order to obtain that goal of being the top fundraising team, there will be a proceeds night at Charlie's Beefcake Burgers on Tuesday, Feb. 4 with 15 percent of all bills going toward this cause.
"It's all day," Howard said. "As long as they mention Fight for Air when they pay, we will be given a check for 15 percent of the all bills."
Teacher's Credit Union, which has collected more than $100 in just 48 hours, as well as Great Dane are also accepting donations for the team.
There will also be an upcoming fundraising event at The Swizzle Stick prior to the climb. However, the date has not been announced yet.
People of all fitness levels are invited to join the team or even come cheer on the day of the event. Those interested in donating may also drop off donations at the All-American Karate Academy.
The cost is $25 to register. Participants then have to raise $100 in donations and sponsorships.
For more information persons may contact Howard at rebecka_pccs@yahoo.com.