Rapelling Down a Sheraton Hotel for Charity

PennLive: No one holds a candle to Superman’s mad flying skills, but on Sept. 24 local folks can rope down the 11-story Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel like Spider-Man.

It probably won’t involve rescuing Mary Jane, but anyone who “rappels” down the building will help Gaudenzia, a nonprofit organization, provide addiction treatment and recovery services to some of the estimated 800,000 Pennsylvanians in need.

Here’s how it works: Those interested register online at www.overtheedgehburg.dojiggy.com. Participants must raise at least $1,000 to rappel. Over the Edge, the corporation based out of Canada that sends people rappelling down buildings for fundraisers all over the U.S., will outfit, harness and coach participants. Gaudenzia has exclusive rights to Over the Edge events in Pennsylvania, and this is the first rappelling fundraiser ever held in the state.

Children 12 and older can rappel if their parents sign a waiver, and people with disabilities, including those who use wheelchairs, have enjoyed the event in the past.

Over the Edge is certified by both the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the Industrial Rope Access Trade Association.

“It’s an extremely safe and exciting event,” said Rene Watkins, the Chesapeake area community affairs manager for Gaudenzia who headed the event in Baltimore the past two years. “Nerves kick in a little bit, but every single person says they would do it again.”

Participants also can play “Toss Your Boss” by raising the funds with co-workers and sending their boss down the 11 stories. Bosses too chicken to do it then have to match what their employees raised to get out of it. Another way people can help is to register online and make a donation to help someone who graduated from Gaudenzia’s treatment program to rappel.

“This event saves lives.” said Julie Girsch, the Harrisburg area community affairs manager for Gaudenzia.

That’s something to think about when you’re checking out the view from up high. Oh, and look for Peter Parker while you’re up there — he might just want your photo for The Daily Bugle.

IF YOU GO:
What: Over the Edge for Gaudenzia.
When: 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Sept. 24.
Where: Sheraton Harrisburg Hershey Hotel, 4650 Lindle Road, Swatara Township.
Cost: $1,000.
Registration: www.overtheedgehburg.dojiggy.com