Spartanburg Community Braves The Heights for Charity
As the fog lifted on a cloudy morning and the chance of light rain faded, a woman began her descent from the 16th floor of the towering Denny’s building in downtown Spartanburg. This may sound akin to a scene from a Hollywood movie, yet this was a brave act of fundraising and support for local cancer patients.
Over The Edge Fundraiser Attracts the Brave to Support Fighting Cancer
The daredevil act on November 1st was part of the Over The Edge fundraiser held by the Cancer Association of Spartanburg and Cherokee counties. The building stood tall above the skies of Spartanburg, where the early light, filtered through the cloudy, was just beginning to lend some warmth to the pleasantly light day forecasted to rise up to a high of 73F.
The clouds gradually thickened and the chance of light rain was still lingering, with winds blowing lightly and variably forming a mysterious aura around the building. Deep down on the ground, the spectators shielded themselves from the moderate midnight chill of 63F as the day turned into evening and light showers began to fall.
The idea was simple but nerve-wracking. Individuals willing to take on the challenge of rappelling down from the tower were required to raise $1,000 to participate. Those who dared to walk off the edge of the Denny’s building showed an incredible courage just akin to the cancer patients they were in support of.
Thrill Combined with Good Cause
The event had a dual purpose, not only did it serve as popular team-building exercise, but also a meaningful way to pool funds for nonprofit services in the area. Services which go a long way in aiding the life of cancer patients, helping them with their nutritional requirements, home care supplies, medication costs, transportation, and many other such indispensable needs.
Bravery at Its Best
On the day of the event, despite the looming fear, 54 participants rappelled off the building, raising a commendable $96,000 in the process. Among them was one of the locals named Christian Boschult, who kept his fear of heights at bay while descending from the building tied in ropes, leaning into the air with complete trust in the harness, ropes, and the safety crew.
The spectators beneath and the people watching from the windows of the building were left in awe. When finally the feat was completed, there was only one thought resonating in each mind; “When can I do this again?”
Apart from the high-octane thrill of the descent, the participants also enjoyed a warm meal served from Denny’s Mobile Relief Diner, infusing more warmth into the chilling evening, making the event a complete success.
Charity Through Courage
As the day wrapped up, light showers sprinkling over the spectators beneath, it was indeed a day to remember for the Spartanburg community. Climbing down 16 floors of the Denny’s tower was not just an act of courage, but a message of resilience, unity, and hope, an indication that no height is unreachable when we are driven by the determination to support each other.
