Opportunity to Rappel Down Detroit’s First National Building for Charity Returns

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The chance to rappel more than 340 feet down the side of the First National Building in downtown Detroit returns for its second year. The activity raises funds for the American Promise Schools education and scholarship programs in Detroit and the Detroit2Nepal Foundation.

“From the top of the Albert Kahn-designed First National Building you can see every landmark in the city, plus the Detroit River and Canada,” says Jim Ketai, CEO and managing partner of Bedrock Detroit, who’s presenting “Over the Edge,” along with Quicken Loans Inc., Opportunity Detroit, and the Detroit2Nepal Foundation. “Many of our team members went ‘Over the Edge’ last year and had an incredible experience while helping to make a positive difference.”

Over the Edge will be held on May 6 and 7 at the 25-story First National Building, located at 660 Woodward Ave. at the corner of Woodward and Cadillac Square. Ketai says individuals and teams must raise a minimum of $1,000 to secure a spot on the rappelling ropes.

“Last year’s event raised more than $230,000,” says Dr. Richard Keidan, director of the Detroit2Nepal Foundation, which provides funds for education, health, and public health projects in both Nepal and Detroit. “We look forward to exceeding that number in 2016.”

No previous rappelling experience is required, and Over the Edge industrial ropes specialists will provide instructions. All participants must weigh between 100 to 300 pounds. The event will also include a tented viewing area located just outside the landing zone in Cadillac Square, where there will be complimentary food and beverages for donors.

American Promise Schools has three charter schools in Detroit: Jalen Rose Leadership Academy, Voyageur Academy, and Consortium College Preparatory Academy. For more information on Over the Edge, click here.