Watch CBS News

Thrill Seekers Can Rappel Down A Detroit Landmark This Spring For Charity

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - Thrill seekers will have the opportunity to see Detroit from a unique perspective this spring - rappelling down 25 stories of the Albert Kahn-designed First National Building.

Bedrock Real Estate Services and Quicken Loans announced the "Over the Edge Detroit" event Friday, May 8, which will be a fundraiser for the Detroit to Nepal Foundation (D2N) and the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).

"This is by far one of the most exciting and unique uses for one of our properties that we've ever seen," said Jim Ketai, CEO and Managing Partner with Bedrock Real Estate Services, in a blog post. "The top fundraisers who get to rappel off of the beautiful First National Building are in for an unforgettable experience. We're proud to be part of this event supporting two great causes."

According to organizers, D2N was created by Beaumont Health System surgical oncologist Dr. Richard Keidan to fund health, education, and sanitation programs for children in Nepal and Detroit. DAPCEP provides educational programming in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and medicine. DAPCEP offers a variety of programs to more than 4,000 Michigan students each year including those attending Detroit Public Schools.

"The science of being able to rappel down a building provides a great learning opportunity for our students,"  Jason Lee, Executive Director of DAPCEP, stated in the blog post. "This event also demonstrates how much the community cares and supports the educational needs of local children. We are ecstatic about partnering with D2N, Quicken Loans and Bedrock."

Here is how thrill seekers can take part in the event:

  • Register online
  • Participants must be 18 years of age or older.
  • No previous rappelling experience is required and instructions will be given by highly trained industrial ropes specialists from Over the Edge.
  • Raise $1,000 to secure your rappelling spot.
  • Raise more than $1,000 and earn additional incentives including a GoPro video of the descent.

In addition to the rappelling event, there will also be activities on the ground with entertainment and vendors in Cadillac Square.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.