A promotional piece for the Web
For NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, 2015
NeighborWorks NEPA is going Over The Edge – of Scranton’s Tallest Building!
rap·pelled also rap·peled rap·pel·ling also rap·pel·ing
- intransitive verb
- to descend (as from a cliff) by sliding down a rope passed under one thigh, across the body, and over the opposite shoulder or through a special friction device
Who: NWNEPA
What: A great urban rappelling adventure
When: Friday June 10 (Media/Preview Day) and Saturday June 11, 2016 (Main Event!)
Where: Bank Towers Building, 321 Spruce St., Scranton
Why: To help raise $100,000 to support the cause of stronger Northeastern Pennsylvania neighborhoods
NeighborWorks Northeastern Pennsylvania, together with about 92 of its closest friends (and a host of other supporters and onlookers) is taking fundraising to new heights this summer, specifically 146 feet to nearly the top of the 165-foot Bank Towers Building.
NWNEPA has signed an exclusive three-year partnership agreement with Over The Edge USA, a special-events company that administers these signature events for non-profit organizations in 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 high-rise building.
NWNEPA has partnered with the owners of Bank Towers, insurance executives Joseph and Jerry Ferrario, to bring this never-before-done-in-NEPA urban adventure to downtown Scranton.
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. and 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 www.crowdrise.com/neighborworksnepa, the campaign website. On the CrowdRise website, rappellers can create a mini profile, upload a photo and share their story and mission on assorted social-media channels.
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? We thought you might ask. 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!
Interested? Register now at www.crowdrise.com/neighborworksnepa and get your full registration packet via email and U.S. mail upon completion.
Questions before your commit? Call Sandra Snyder, event manager, at 570-558-2490 or email her at ssnyder@nwnepa.com.
Not sure you can commit but think you know someone who will? We’d love to challenge them on your behalf. Or let you take those 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 a charitable cause.
● Pitch Your Principal or PlungeYour 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. That’s the best way to be doubly adventurous and doubly charitable!
What are you waiting for? Sign up today!