Ever wanted to rappel down a building in Scranton? Go Over the Edge for charity on June 11
From a press release:
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, which provides services that promote affordable housing and home ownership throughout NEPA, is looking for 92 volunteers to take fundraising to bold new heights this summer, specifically 146 feet to nearly the tip-top of the 165-foot Bank Towers building in downtown Scranton. Will you be one of them?
NWNEPA has signed an exclusive three-year partnership agreement with Over the Edge USA, a special-events company that administers these signature events for nonprofit organizations across North America. Participants – up to 92 in this case – are invited to raise pledges in exchange for the once-in-a-lifetime experience of going over the edge of a well-known skyscraper.
NWNEPA has partnered with the owners of Bank Towers (321 Spruce St., Scranton), insurance executives Joseph and Jerry Ferrario, to bring this never-before-done-in-NEPA urban adventure to the Electric City during the national celebration of NeighborWorks Week.
Rappellers – some of whom already have signed on and begun fundraising – agree to raise at least $1,000 from their personal networks or individual sponsors to secure a spot on the ropes between 9 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday, June 11. Rappelling experience is not necessary, as certified safety technicians will not only train the Edgers, but allow them to practice from a shorter distance.
NWNEPA staff will support and coach the Edgers as they fundraise, primarily through Crowdrise. On the CrowdRise website, rappellers can create a mini profile, upload a photo, and share their story and mission on assorted social-media channels. NEPA Scene contributor Sara Pokorny is one of seven brave volunteers currently raising funds.
All money raised will benefit NWNEPA’s service initiatives, specifically the provision of much-needed home repair and improvement services to elderly, disabled, and/or disadvantaged local homeowners.
Do you have what it takes? Well, what does it take? Here are a few suggestions:
- A spirit of adventure and/or a desire to conquer fear or challenge yourself to do something different
- A desire to dare yourself to support your less-fortunate neighbors
- A willingness to ask your friends, neighbors, colleagues, employers, etc. to support the cause by supporting you toward your goal
Technically speaking, you must be between 100 and 300 pounds, and 18 is a suggested minimum age, but rappellers as young as 13 have gone Over The Edge before in other markets and can do so in Scranton provided they meet the weight requirement and have parent/guardian permission. There is no age limit; you can do this at 100!
If you’re not sure you can commit but think you know someone who will, NWNEPA can challenge them on your behalf or let you take the reins. Consider the fun you can have with the following scenarios:
- Toss Your Boss: You and your colleagues can challenge your supervisor to take a leap of faith for this important cause.
- Pitch Your Principal or Plunge Your President: Are you a student, teacher or employee at a local high school, college or university? Why not take this challenge to the top and ask your leader to represent?
- Sling Your Shepherd: Do you belong to a congregation with an adventurous spiritual leader? Present him or her the challenge – and you, too, can raise some funds.
Edgers who raise $5,000 or more will be able to donate 25 percent of their total to another nonprofit organization, educational institution, or congregation of their choice.
Those interested can register now through Crowdrise and will receive a full registration packet via e-mail and U.S. mail upon completion.
Questions can be directed to Sandra Snyder, event manager, at 570-558-2490 or ssnyder@nwnepa.com.
