Cardinals Climb Raises Over $2 Million for Special Needs Community

More than 3,500 people participated in the inaugural Cardinals Climb: Hike for Special Needs event at State Farm Stadium.

Feb. 23, 2026 at 3:25pm

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The first Cardinals Climb: Hike for Special Needs event was a huge success, raising over $2 million from more than 8,000 donors for four cornerstone beneficiaries of the Arizona Cardinals Foundation: Barrow Neurological Foundation, SARRC (Southwest Autism Research & Resource Center), Special Olympics Arizona, and Treasure House. The event, which saw over 3,500 participants, including former Cardinals players Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, was described by team owner Michael Bidwill as 'an awesome day on every level imaginable' that was focused on 'lifting up this community, creating awareness and acceptance, and raising significant funds for Arizona's special needs community'.

Why it matters

The Cardinals Climb event highlights the team's commitment to supporting the special needs community in Arizona. With the funds raised, the four beneficiary organizations will be able to expand their programs and services to better assist individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The event also helped raise awareness and promote acceptance for those with special needs.

The details

The inaugural Cardinals Climb: Hike for Special Needs event took place at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona. Over 3,500 people participated in the hike, which involved climbing the stadium's steps. In addition to the participants, former Cardinals players Kurt Warner and Larry Fitzgerald, as well as other current players, were in attendance to show their support. The event raised over $2 million from more than 8,000 donors, with 100% of the proceeds going to four beneficiary organizations that serve the special needs community in Arizona.

  • The Cardinals Climb event took place on Saturday, February 23, 2026.
  • Donations will be accepted until March 10, 2026.

The players

Michael Bidwill

Owner of the Arizona Cardinals.

Kurt Warner

Former Arizona Cardinals quarterback and co-founder of Treasure House, a residence for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Larry Fitzgerald

Former Arizona Cardinals wide receiver.

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What they’re saying

“It was an awesome day on every level imaginable. We've said all along that this event was not about climbing in a stadium. It was about lifting up this community, creating awareness and acceptance, and raising significant funds for Arizona's special needs community. We are beyond grateful to everyone who participated and supported today and can't wait to begin work on an even bigger and better event in 2027.”

— Michael Bidwill, Owner, Arizona Cardinals

“You're trying to figure out what life looks like. Individuals in that situation kind of get pushed to the side. Not many people see them, not very many things are done to allow them to live a full life. To think about us coming here 20 years ago and all the memories we had on the football field, but to have this come together, with the Cardinals and Cardinals Charities and the special needs world, it's home for me.”

— Kurt Warner

What’s next

The Arizona Cardinals are already planning an even bigger and better Cardinals Climb event for 2027.

The takeaway

The success of the inaugural Cardinals Climb event demonstrates the team's strong commitment to supporting the special needs community in Arizona. By raising over $2 million for four key organizations, the Cardinals have shown that they are dedicated to creating awareness, acceptance, and meaningful opportunities for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.