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Charities Raise Funds By Rappelling Down A Detroit Skyscraper; WWJ Reporter Gives 1st Person Perspective [Video]

By Edward Cardenas

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) - What's it like to fly through the air with the greatest of ease? Fortunately, this reporter didn't find out as I joned a landmark effort to raise funds for charity by rapelling down the side of a 25-story Detroit building.

I tried to add flourish with a Spider-Man costume.

And I'd like to think I clamored down with the same speed and grace, but you'll have to watch the video to find out for yourself. Let's just say Spider-Man never kissed the ground with gratitude.

This venture comes from Bedrock Real Estate Services and Quicken Loans, which partnered with Over the Edge to raise funds for the Detroit to Nepal Foundation (D2N) and the Detroit Area Pre-College Engineering Program (DAPCEP).

For a donation of at least $1,000, thrill seekers had the opportunity to rappel down 25 stories of the Albert Kahn-designed First National Building and help children in Detroit and Nepal.

"This is unique for us and unique for Detroit," said Dr. Richard Keidan, founder of Detroit 2 Nepal. "It's a great fun time and we are doing something great for both the kids in Detroit and halfway around the world after an earthquake in Nepal."

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. One of the local recipients, DAPCEP, provides educational programming in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and medicine.

"This is really exciting. We serve 4,000 students in STEM educational programming to get them excited about engineering science technology and mathematics. The funds will be used to support our work in that space," said Jason Lee, executive director of DAPCEP." We work with kids from four years old all the way to 18."

There are still spots available for those interested in experiencing Detroit from 25 stories in the air. Those interested in taking part can follow these steps:

  • 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.
  • Participants who don't have the funds, can still register and pledge to raise the funds within one month.

For those who enjoy standing on solid ground, there will also be activities on the ground in Cadillac Square with entertainment and vendors including the dishes from the new Central Kitchen and opportunities to donate to both charities.

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