MIAMI (WSVN) - An annual fundraiser makes giving a little more fun by propelling participants over the edge of the JW Marriott Marquis Miami. 7’s Chris Van Vliet rappelled hundreds of feet down the hotel to raise funds and awareness.
It’s all for the Over the Edge fundraiser for the Miami Children’s Initiative, in Downtown Miami. “We are intentionally investing in the children of this community because we believe in their brilliance and their greatness, and we believe they can all break a cycle of poverty by staying in school,” said fundraiser volunteer.
This is the fourth year for daredevils to rappel down the side of the JW Marriott Marquis, including bride-to-be Suneliz Santana, who won the Miami Children’s Initiative’s “Wed over the Edge” contest for an all-expense paid wedding fit for a pair of daredevils. “It’s going to be interesting,” she said.
With their four kids by their side, she and fiancé Vincent Scott got married on top of the hotel before they rappelled down the side. “It’s going to be a wedding we’ll never forget,” Santana said. “We’ll be talking about it for years.”
And this is the view they’ll be talking about. Nineteen stories straight down to be exact, and like Santana, Chris Van Vliet is a daredevil too. But before going down, they have to gear up.
And, yes, the harness is just as uncomfortable as it looks.
Now, they’re ready for training before heading outside to do the real thing. “Start walking toward the edge,” said the instructor.
After 200 feet, the rush comes to an end with both feet back on the ground. “Back on solid ground, but I feel like I can do anything now,” Van Vliet said.
Last year, the initiative raised $100,000 and hopes to raise more this year.
The actual fundraiser takes place Saturday.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
http://www.miamichildrensinitiative.org/otem/home.shtml
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