Edward Kensicki , graphic design alum of 1997, braved the 32-story descent down the Wachovia Capitol Center for his second time—this time taking a chance to enjoy the view instead of worrying about the ropes.
This time, facing 24 mph gusts, Kensicki , joined by 115 others, rappelled down the building as a benefit to raise money for the North Carolina Special Olympics.
According to NCSO Communications Manager Rachel Milano, the event, Over the Edge, is a joint project between the NCSO and Over the Edge climbing company.
“We started last year, and it was such a success we brought it back a second year,” Milano said. “We contract with Over the Edge, a professional company that does this event with charities all over the country.”
To enter the event, donors must raise $1,000, and according to Milano, much of this is facilitated by online donations.
“A lot go above and beyond that $1,000 base line and get ambitious,” Milano said. “We have about $130,000 raised in just this event alone. We have another Over the Edge event in Charlotte as well.”
Although Over the Edge is not the biggest fundraiser for the NCSO, the organization benefits from all the money collected, which goes into providing resources for the mentally handicapped to pursue and compete in athletic events.
“We have local level fundraising. There are 100 counties in North Carolina and each county has its own program,” Milano said. “A lot of them do it individually on their own. The Law Enforcement Torch Run also raises money for us, bringing in $1 million. They are one of our biggest fundraisers.”
Of the 116 participants that come from various parts of North Carolina, many State alumni rappelled down the building.
Douglass Hayes raised more than $10,000 with a team comprised of members and supporters of the roller derby team Carolina Roller Girls. Kensicki, the mascot of the Carolina Roller Girls, was also a member of this team.
“I’ve always wanted to rappel off a big building, and I have experience working with Special Olympics before, so I thought I can get this off my bucket list and do something to help somebody else,” Hayes said. “Helping Special Olympics was the main reason.”
All 116 participants received brief training before their shot at 32 stories. Pete Baley, a local climber, volunteered to instruct the basics.
“I’m training people, allowing them to get used to their equipment and situated so that they are comfortable” Baley said. “They are in control of their speed as they go down, but if they get in a situation, we can intervene. It’s double safety, so it’s very controlled.”
Due to cold temperatures and high winds, the event took longer than expected and ran until 6:00 p.m. Saturday.
For Kensicki, the adrenaline rush was worth every moment.
“Last year, I was more taken in by the process of rappelling and not knowing the equipment,” Kensicki said. “This year, I knew the equipment. I took a deep breath, looked around and enjoyed the scenery.”
Rope accesser Art Maciel is helping sophomore in elementary education, Kelsie Morris rappel down the Wachovia Capitol Center/Wells Fargo building on Oct. 1, 2011. Photo by Ben Tran.
