Chief McDonnell to Rappel Hyatt for Special Olympics

In this first of its kind, fundraising event in Southern California, Long Beach Police Chief Jim McDonnell will rappel down a 16-floor high-rise building as a part of “Over the Edge,” to raise money for the Special Olympics of Southern California.

On Saturday, October 29, at 9 a.m. over a dozen people have agreed to volunteer to rappel down the Hyatt Regency Long Beach. Each volunteer must first raise a minimum of $1,000 in pledges — with the hope of providing a big check to Special Olympics.

Michelle Brien, spokesperson for the event, said that “Over the Edge” has sponsored several Special Olympics fundraiser, though this is the first time the group has traveled to California for one. 

“This is a third party organization that we hire and it has been very successful in other states,” she said. 

Brien said 80 percent of the money raised goes directly back to the Special Olympics programs.

“The money raised will go to support local Special Olympics programs,” she said. “All of the programs offered to our athletes are free, so this money is necessary to provide everything our athletes need.”
 
Chief McDonnell said in a press release that: “The Special Olympic athletes dedicate many long hours of training, and regularly push their own boundaries as they train throughout the year. ‘Over the Edge’ will help raise money and awareness for them, and will also give us a chance to push our own boundaries in the process. I invite the community to join us and cheer us on as we support a very worthwhile cause."

The rappelling fundraiser will be supervised by trained rappelling professionals and part of an all-day “Celebrate Long Beach” event. “Edgers” will be encouraged to wear Halloween costumes, and the event will feature a spirited assortment of food, prizes and Halloween themed festivities, including a costume contest.

To learn more about this event, visit  www.sosc.org/overtheedge.