Breakfast of Champions

Breakfast of Champions
Skip in his Seattle marathon shirt at one of his famous fundraising breakfasts for the LLS

What it means to be "golden" from teammate Michelle De Grand

Our 'Golden' Friends: Gold is considered a precious metal with a very high value. A golden personality is even more precious, and there are few people in this world with that shining spirit. Two people who I am doing this climb in memory of had that priceless zest for life and compassion for other people. Skip Sand passed away last year after a five year battle with Leukemia, but he never once quit living life or caring for others. In fact, he was even growing his hair out for the Locks of Love at the time of his death. He was a truly inspirational and authentic person who was taken away too soon. If we can help cure just one person like Skip, this world will be exponentially better because those people have a positive impact on everyone they meet. My grandfather, Curly DeGrand, is another one of those people. Before he was taken away by a blood cancer, he was active, friendly, social, and caring. All of my memories of him include a smiling face. He didn't live to see all of his grand children. My young cousins won't get to have the adventures with him that I did or know his voice and curly hair. If we can join together and save the grandfathers of the world, their knowledge and positive influences, then think how much wiser a society we'll be. Losing those 'golden' people is hard, but it makes us realize why we need to fight so hard for the golden people to come.

by Michelle DeGrand on Mon, Jan 25, 2010 @ 7:26 PM

Tuesday, January 26, 2010

Here is how to come join the fun!

Want an extra incentive to motivate you in the "Challenge"? Want to stretch yourself to see what your potential is? Or how about just some good clean fun with family and friends to partake in this rare and exciting opportunity? Climb to the top of the highest skyscraper on the west coast! Come share your team spirit in this thrilling adventure that is limited and only happens once a year.

Whatever your goals or reasons, I guarantee this event will get your adrenaline pumping and give your the sense of total satisfaction when you reach the top! You will forever look at the tower differently when you drive by and be overcome with pride for your accomplishment.

This is the first ever Gold's Gym team at the Big Climb. Being a part of it is making history and continuing to build upon the fine model that Gold's portrays.

To register for the team online, follow the step by step instructions below:


1) Page 1 - Visit this link to access our team home page:

http://www.llswa.org/site/TR/Events/BigClimb/1143459793?pg=team&fr_id=1160&team_id=34923&JServSessionIdr004=3vps0icn02.app303b
Click on "Join Team" in red font in the dark grey box after our team name in the middle of the page. Our team name is Be Golden with Gold's Gym.

NOTE: Save $5 on your entry fee by using one of our Sponsor Discount Codes either online or by mailing them in.

Pyramid Brewing Company: Type in online or mail in the UPC code found on the case of these participating Pyramid 6-pack and 12-pack products (21 years and over only):

Apricot Ale 6- and 12-pack
Haywire Hefeweizen 6- and 12-pack
Thunderhead IPA 6- and 12-pack
Seasonal 6- and 12-pack
Variety 12-pack

Talking Rain: Type in online or mail in the UPC code found on any of Talking Rain's Sparkling ICE 1-liter bottles. (May be found at Bartell Drugs, QFC, Metropolitan Market, Red Apple, Thriftway, Top Foods, etc.) www.SparklingICE.com

Lake Union Wellness: Stop by Lake Union Wellness and ask the receptionist for the Big Climb discount code.


2) Page 2 - Select the racer (timed) or the climber (untimed) category.

Choose a fundraising goal (the minimum required is $50).

Click "Next Step" at the bottom of the page.

3) Page 3 - Select "New User" unless you have previously participated in a big climb event.

Click "Next Step"

4) Page 4 - Registration information

Fill in all the required categories marked by an * asterix (example is your name).

Choose to receive email from the LLS to get inportant Big Climb information and your start time.

Note: - If doing the climb in memory or honor of somebody with blood cancer, fill in their name. An address is optional if you would like a living honoree to be notified.

Select a shirt size.

Input your age.

Click "Next Step"

5) Page 5 - Read the terms and click on the box to agree.

Click "Next Step"

6) Page 6 - Fill in the billing information for your registration.

Click "Next Step"

7) Page 7 - Final Step! - Confirm your registration and billing info to submit.

CONGRATULATIONS on becoming a fine member of our exceptional team! Thank you for your participation and helping to fight blood cancer! :-)