“Over the Edge” Rappelling Event Raises Money for the Special Olympics

This weekend, San Francisco’s most adventurous individuals will support Special Olympics Northern California by descending 425 feet down the Grand Hyatt San Francisco.

The rare opportunity to rappel from the hotel’s rooftop, 36 floors above street level, is part of an innovative fundraiser that generated $143,000 last year alone. Thrill seekers raise or donate a minimum of $1,250 before being outfitted with equipment atop the hotel. Rappellers, who must weigh between 110 and 300 pounds to participate, need no prior experience to register.

It’s not just extreme athletes who take part, according to Special Olympics Northern California Event Manager Valerie Owyang. She calls Over the Edge an opportunity for “the everyday person looking for a thrilling experience.”

“How many people can say they scaled a tall building in the best city in the world? The experience is ultra-unique and the benefit to the athletes of Special Olympics Northern California is immense,” she says.

The Over the Edge fundraiser takes place on Friday, July 20, and Saturday, July 21 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. To learn more, or to support participants, visit www.overtheedgesf.com.

Grand Hyatt San Francisco will also donate a portion of the proceeds from room nights booked through the hotel’s “Special Olympics-Over the Edge” promotion to Special Olympics Northern California. For hotel details, visit www.grandsanfrancisco.hyatt.com or call 415-398-1234. Information on Special Olympics Northern California is at www.sonc.org.

Like Haute Living San Francisco? Join our Facebook page or follow us on Twitter @HauteLivingSF. Want Haute Living San Francisco delivered to your inbox once a week? Sign up for our newsletter.