United Way ADK: Rappel challenge met

PLATTSBURGH | Lines of rope marked routes for descent off the top of Lake View Tower. And nearly 90 local residents stepped to the edge, hung their heels off the wall, leaned back and went over, harnessed and hopeful and happy to help. United Way for the Adirondack Region brought in expertise from an Over the Edge rappel team, members of an organization founded in Halifax, NS, that now reaches across North America. The skilled crew of climbing guides, gear fitters, harness and lever trainers and belay personnel helped inform and encourage everyday people to descend a tall building by rope. Rappel for a Reason was a success Saturday, raising over $105,000 to kick off United Way ADK annual fundraising. Rappellers each brought in $1,000 or more which will benefit local residents and families in Clinton, Essex and Franklin Co. A group of Plattsburgh High School students took the challenge with their teacher. There were civic leaders, county and town personnel, teachers, carpenters and reps from over 20 area businesses. Wonder Woman showed up. All were kept on task and upbeat by a team of about 24 United Way ADK volunteers who spearheaded logistics from registration to safety spotting. Most of the volunteer crew had rappelled the day prior for training preparation. 'OVER THE EDGE' The experience seemed to heighten a phrase referenced by United Way ADK President and CEO John Bernardi. Their organization supplies resources to partners in a safety net of 35-plus social support groups that, as Bernardi says, help pull struggling families from the edge. "If you're staring over a cliff every day, it doesn't take much to send you over," Bernardi says of fiscal challenges families face in a tough economy. "We're here to help prevent that." That was the reason to rappel. At the edge, looking down from 10 stories up presents a dizzying perspective. The equation changes with a harness and ropes. Climbing safety supports include descender levers, carabiners, back-up loops, anchor systems and, most importantly, other people with a hand up. Standing backwards on the roof's edge, the climbing guide said, "Hang your heels off the edge. A little further." Okay? The harness forms a kind of seat so rappellers have to actually sit back to begin the drop. That perch, backwards on top, is the edge. It's also the beginning of an amazing scale to solid ground. Feet on the wall below nose height. Footsteps (vertical) measured with rope release from the lever, steering rope tension in the other hand. It becomes intuitive about half-way down. And if you swing, it's great to know there's other steady hands on the rope. At Lake View Tower on Saturday, crowds gathered to cheer rappelling teams and friends, lending a picnic atmosphere to the day. Words of encouragement allayed uncertainty. United Way ADK staff says "there's always a way to help," a clear-eyed outlook that lends confidence across three counties. Lake View rappellers took the first steps and put the year in motion with bold moves, giving United Way's team a strong start. But anyone can donate anytime to the United Way ADK and keep that momentum going. The 2025-26 season's motto is: We Live United Here. To lend support, volunteer for events or help strengthen community resources: https://www.unitedwayadk.org/

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United Way ADK: Rappel challenge met

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