David rappelling over the side of a building, 309 feet, 21 stories for charity.

That’s more or less the saying for the “21 Stories for Scouts” event that was held on May 20th in downtown Rochester, NY.    Well actually, the saying is “Take the long way down to raise someone else up” but I needed to get the rappelling into the title as, well, IT WAS SO COOL TO DO THAT!

This was a fun raiser for the Urban Scouting program that is part of the Seneca Waterways Council boy scouting program.  For a $1,000 donation, you can rappel down the side of the First Federal building.  Now understand, that rappel is 21 stories or 309 feet!  It is not a small step to say the least. Even more so if you have never rappelled from such a height.  And that was me for sure.  I had rappelled before, but surly nothing like this.   A lot of the people that rappelled were sponsored in some way, but I just had to do this.  After all, we do give to charities and, well, how many people can point to a building and say “I rappelled down that!”  Of course at that point the person you said that to says ‘Yeah, right.”  But then I can point them to this blog entry and they can be both shocked and amazed as I was that I actually did it. (And would do it again.)

Now I did mention this was for the Urban Scouting program which is the Genesee Crossroads District division. When we looked into it, we found that the monies raised go to support urban scouting programs, including the 40 after school programs run in Rochester schools and an opportunity for children to attend three summer camps.  It was something that we could get behind as a program and thus was one of the deciding factors to contribute.  (And of course go over the side of a building helped as it sure was “Outside Our Bubble”.)

Now this event is handled by a very unique fund raising company,  Over The Edge.  Over The Edge does rappelling fund raisers all over the country for all types of charities.  So, if you are looking to get “Outside Your Bubble”, check out their upcoming events as you may find one in an area you are in or will be in.  They have a 100% safety record and everything is done beyond the required set safety regulations for industrial rope work.  As we travel, we will be watching their site to see if something may be in an area we will be in.

Below you will find some photos and two videos.  One video I have to say is really cool, if I do say so myself, and I do.  It is a Point of View video shot from my GoPro 1080P helmet cam.  In other words, you see what I see.  So, if you want to see what it is like to go over the edge, then be sure to check it out.

Over The Edge Program for fund raising.

Over The Edge Program for fund raising.

Remember, you can CLICK images for larger views.

Getting ready to go over the edge.

Getting ready to go over the edge.

The view from 19 stories, not 21 the repel was from.

The view from 19 stories, not 21 the repel was from.

Here are two videos. The first one is a 10 minute video from my point of view from the GoPRO cam. I go over the edge at 4 minutes into the video if you want to fast forward it.

This is a short 25 second video shot by Brenda from the street level.

The final wave to Brenda before I go over the edge.

The final wave to Brenda before I go over the edge.

Over the Edge David goes! No turning back now.

Over the Edge David goes! No turning back now.

Now David is TOTALLY Outside His Bubble.

Now David is TOTALLY Outside His Bubble.

David just hanging out on the side of the First Federal building.

David just hanging out on the side of the First Federal building.

David rappelling over the side of a building, 309 feet, 21 stories for charity.

David rappelling over the side of a building, 309 feet, 21 stories for charity.

After the rappel is over. All Smiles! (Or is it relief?)

After the rappel is over. All Smiles! (Or is it relief?)

Lets put this into perspective for you. Can you spot David?

Lets put this into perspective for you. Can you spot David?