On October 29, a group of adventurous volunteers who raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges will rappel 158 feet down the Hyatt Regency Long Beach in order to raise funds for Special Olympics Southern California (SOSC). Trained rappelling professionals from Over the Edge, a Canadian-based special events company that creates fundraising events for non-profit organizations, will supervise the rappellers. The all-day “Celebrate Long Beach” event will feature an assortment of food, prizes, and Halloween-themed festivities, including a costume contest.
The Long Beach Police Department has signed on as community partners, with some of its officers pledging to go “over the edge” themselves. Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell and Special Olympics Southern California CEO and President Bill Shumard have volunteered to rappel as a part of a “toss your boss” and “fling-a-friend” pledge campaign, which encourages community involvement.
“Whether one chooses to rappel or give a donation, Over the Edge is the perfect example of how Special Olympics Southern California empowers individuals with intellectual disabilities through sports,” Shumard said. “As thrill-seekers experience a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel down the Hyatt Regency, it will give them a sense of how courageous our athletes are everyday as they make the most of their abilities, not their disabilities.”
SOSC athlete Nicole Nelson will rappel alongside her father, Max Nelson. The two are teaming up together to raise more than $2,000 for SOSC.
“Nicole has never done anything of this type— it’s completely something new and it takes some of her fears and puts them aside. It’s a new event that most Special Olympics athletes would never be able to do,” said Nelson. “It gives her a chance to expand her horizons. She’s so good at talking to people and we’re so excited that she’s getting the opportunity to spread her joy.”
Nicole will be rappelling in honor of her 30th birthday. “I want to do Over the Edge because I want to spend my life doing things and trying new thing— I want to do things with my life! Most people don’t have a positive attitude and so they don’t want to do things like this. But it’s my birthday week and I’ll have so much fun going ‘over the edge!'”
Proceeds from Over the Edge will benefit thousands of individuals with intellectual disabilities in Southern California, impacting Special Olympics athletes from as far north as Bakersfield and San Luis Obispo, down to San Diego. The goal is to raise at least $150,000.
A limited number of rappelling spots are available, so participants are encouraged to register early. All participants must raise a minimum $1,000 in pledges by September 30.
More Information
sosc.org/overtheedge
