Big Brothers Big Sisters of Tampa Bay is offering a one-of-a-kind experience to Tampa residents — the chance to repel down one of the Bay's tallest buildings. Thrill-seekers be warned — this isn't your average mall rock climbing wall!
On Saturday, May 2, the One Progress Plaza Building in St. Pete, will set the stage for dozens of brave, local souls to scale down the side of the building, all the way from the 19th floor to the ground. And the best part? You don't need to have any previous experience with rappelling — you will be trained on-site before being suited up.
Over the Edge, the company that has partnered with Tampa's chapter of BBBS to make this event possible, estimates there will be 75 spots available. To reserve a spot, you must be 18 or older and raise at least $1,250 by April 24.
Proceeds from this event will go toward matching “Bigs,” or older role-models with “Littles,” children (ages 6-18) who have faced adversity, in the Tampa Area. Bigs and Littles then spend time together each month, doing activities such as “playing catch, reading books, going to a museum, and providing advice and inspiration,” according to Big Brother Big Sister of Tampa Bay.
“Edgers” should take care to dress for the occasion, since you will be scaling down 19 floors strapped in a harness.
Close, soft soled shoes will be enforced for all repellers — no heels, flip-flops, steel toed shoes, or slip-ons allowed. Long pants and long sleeved shirts are preferable, and please ensure there are no loose zippers, dangles, draw strings, etc. Leave your keys, Ids, and jewelry with a staff member or friend — Over the Edge guarantees you won't need them.
If your feeling extra festive, you can even wear a costume! Just make sure to send a photo to the company for approval prior to wearing it.
For those who'd rather keep both feet on the ground, there will also be a Landing Zone with entertainment and food. Here, you can watch your friends and family (maybe even your boss) walk down the side of the Plaza. “It’ll have a great view to take additional videos and pictures of everyone coming down the side of the building,” the event's website says.
Can't make it to Over the Edge? You can still show your support for Tampa's chapter of BBBS by donating online. Tampa residents are seeking public donations to help them raise money for the organization—while giving them the opportunity to repel off the Plaza.
Local writer Lynn Waddell is one of many raising money for the repel. As of April 17, Waddell has raised $950 toward her $1,250 goal. Click here to contribute to the campaign of the Fringe Florida author.
“I'm no Olympian; I've never rappelled,” she writes on her public fundraiser page, “I'm just a middle-age writer who is passionate enough about what this organization does to risk the embarrassment of being lowered from a high-rise like a rescued panda.”
Now if that's not a reason to help Tampa residents like Waddell go Over the Edge, I don't know what is. For more information on the event, visit their official website here. To help Lynn Waddell reach her goal, visit her fundraiser page here.
This article appears in Apr 23-29, 2015.