Taking fundraising to new heights, local nonprofit Granted is giving people the opportunity to raise funds for local children by scaling down the side of a nine-story building. Over the Edge 4 Granted will send nearly 90 brave souls rappelling down the side of the CenterPoint Energy building in Downtown Evansville. Each participant is committed to raising a minimum of $1,000 for Granted.
The money raised at this event will be used to grant wishes for local children with terminal or life-threatening health conditions. Evansville Police Department Special Projects Coordinator and Granted board member Taylor Merriss is one of the participants rappelling down the building. Merriss says her role at EPD encourages involvement in community events and allows residents to put a face with the department.
“I’ve been able to be out in the community and meet a lot of people through not only Granted, but people that have signed up for Over the Edge,” Merriss says. “I’ve never done any rappelling — the more I talk about it, the more my palms sweat — but the going motto around here is, ‘I’ll do anything for the kids.’”
Over the Edge 4 Granted takes place from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 30 and will feature family-friendly activities and space around the CenterPoint building for spectators to cheer on participants. Evansville Living Senior Account Executive Jennifer Rhoades also is rappelling. Rhoades says she was intrigued by the unique way the event will highlight Granted’s mission and bring the community together.
“I’m a little nervous but also excited,” she says. “I wanted to participate because how often do you get the opportunity to become a stunt woman and do something cool that also raises awareness for such a great nonprofit?”
To learn more about Over the Edge 4 Granted or donate, visit https://p2p.onecause.com/overtheedge4granted.
Photos provided by Over The Edge 4 Granted.
