Hundreds of Tucson residents are expected to convene for Tucson Electric Power (TEP)’s 9/11 Tower Challenge at Arizona Stadium to benefit first responders, military personnel and their families Sept. 11 at the University of Arizona.

TEP extended a reminder last week inviting participants to meet the challenge of climbing 2,071 stadium steps— equivalent to the 110 floors in each World Trade Center tower — in memory of those who died on 9/11 and in honor of first responders and military members.

Among attendees will be a team of TEP employees who served in the military, including CEO and President David Hutchens.

"We're proud to sponsor the 9/11 Tower Challenge in support of two great agencies that help improve the quality of life for the men and women who serve our community and our country," Hutchens, who served as a Navy nuclear submarine officer, said. "It's our way of saying thank you."

Participation in the climb is limited to active or retired public safety employees, military personnel and their family members. To sign up for the event or to make a donation, visit 911towerchallenge.org .

TEP sponsors the event annually in line with its community service ethic, which also involves direct contributions, in-kind services and volunteer support to local nonprofit groups. TEP donated over $1 million to charitable causes in 2014, with its staff and their friends and family contributing 25,000 volunteer hours.

All of TEP’s grants and contributions are funded privately rather than via customer payments.