Don’t be alarmed to see people dangling from the office tower at 5151 E. Broadway on Saturday.
About 70 people will rappel down the 17-story building for the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona’s second annual Over the Edge fundraiser.
“You know how some organizations have a gala, well this is the Girl Scout version of a gala,” says Debbie Rich, CEO of the Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona. “I went last year and it was a blur. I was surprised how it really took my breath away,” Rich says. “I’m very excited and a little terrified.”
Last year the event sold out. This year, Rich will be participating in honor of Christine McNamara, who spent 16 years on the Girl Scouts’ board and more than two decades in local community service.
Rich says McNamara pledged at last year’s event that she would rappel the next time around, despite being very ill with brain cancer. But McNamara passed away last summer, and so her husband Christopher will go over the edge in her honor with Rich, who was a close friend.“That’s my highlight this year, other than raising $150,000 to invest in girls.” Rich says.
About $45,000 of that goal still remains, as do a few spots to rappel on Saturday. Participants must be 18 or older and weigh between 100-300 pounds, and be able to meet the $1000 contribution minimum. Contributions to others’ pledges can also be made at donate.girlscoutssoaz.org/search/fundraisers
