MOUNT GREENWOOD — Steve Coyne is asking friends and supporters to "step up" as he prepares to climb stairs across the country for first responders and military veterans.
Coyne, a 19-year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, will host a fundraiser called "Step Up & Give Back" from 7-11 p.m. Saturday at 115 Bourbon Street in suburban Merrionette Park.
It costs $30 to attend the benefit at 3359 W. 115th St., which includes a buffet dinner, wine and beer. Proceeds will be used to offset the cost of travel for several charity stair climbs, including a pair of September events in Texas.
Coyne, 45, of Mount Greenwood will also use the money to compete Aug. 7-16 in the 2017 World Police and Fire Games in Los Angeles. Since he began competing in charity stair climbs in 2012, Coyne has lost 60 pounds and raised more than $11,000 for charity.
Coyne competes in the events as civilian but often wears his full Chicago police gear, including his uniform, gun and belt. He typically participates in 15-20 charity climbs per year at a cost of roughly $10,000 annually.
With the money raised at the fundraiser, Coyne hopes to compete in even more charity events, which typically benefit first responders and veterans. The 15-year veteran bagpiper also frequently warms up the crowd by playing during the opening ceremonies for the events.
Coyne, a Beverly native, typically trains at Swallow Cliff, a former toboggan slide in suburban Palos Park. It has become a popular spot for exercise enthusiasts determined to take on the stairs left behind.
Coyne has participated in stair-climbs in Dallas, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Oklahoma City, Charlotte, N.C., Buffalo, N.Y. and more. For more information about the upcoming fundraiser, call 773-314-3718 or 773-899-5086.
