Rappel for a Reason Raises $120,000 to Support Youth Mentorship

Portland, OR. Sixty people went “over the edge” and rappelled down the Black Box, 200 SW Market Street, to raise vital funds for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS). First up, On September 24, local celebrities, including Chef Gabriel Rucker and Blaze, the Portland Trail Blazers mascot, got the first chance to rappel the 20-story building during VIP Media Day sponsored by Merrell. Big Sister Elise Spitzer, seen above, was one of many who rappelled down the building. (Photo credit, Adam Levy)

On September 25, fifty individuals who had raised $1,500 each rappelled with family and friends cheering them on as they went over the edge. Over 200 people attended the two-day event and $120,000 was raised. All funds raised will help to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of local youth, helping them reach their potential.

Organizers say, “The youth served by Big Brothers Big Sisters, most of whom come from single-parent households, face adversity and exude resilience every day. They show an immense amount of courage by staying positive in light of daily challenges, especially during the pandemic. We asked our rappelers to find their inner strength and courage to go over the edge for these kids.”

This fundraising event was sponsored locally by PK, General Sheet Metal, Merrell, Flowbird America, Comcast Oregon & SW Washington, Cambia Health Solutions, and Tito’s Vodka.

About Over the Edge:
Over the Edge is a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations around the world. Business leaders, individuals and community members are invited to raise donations in exchange for the experience of going over the edge of a prominent building. This unique event generates front-page news, raises thousands of dollars, and provides participants with a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters:
BBBS is a local, private non-profit organization affiliated with Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. Founded in 2002, it serves as one of the Portland-Vancouver region’s largest youth mentoring organizations and achieved a 96% high school graduation rate this past year for its mentees, far above the region’s overall graduation rate of 82%. More than 8,500 local children have been matched with a volunteer Big Brother or Sister, creating life-changing bonds.