OHEL Takes Fund Raising to New Heights!

Over 80 Supporters of OHEL Rappel 20 Stories as Part of Extreme Fundraising Event

On Tuesday May 20th, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services hosted the exhilarating, one of a kind, SOLD OUT ‘Over the Edge’ Event.

Eighty-one friends and supports of OHEL raised a minimum of $1,000 to rappel 20 stories over the side of the Heritage Capital Group building in Newark, New Jersey.  All proceeds will help OHEL’s children with developmental disabilities attend meaningful camp experiences.

Finding a willing partner – a building owner - can understandably be a challenge. OHEL was fortunate to find two big hearts in Steve and Jeff Greenberg, owners of the Heritage Capital Group, and their staff. Concerned by the unpredictable spring weather, OHEL was blessed with a gorgeous sunny day, and the only resultant weather concern - turned out to be sunburn. 

A large crowd of family, supporters, and inquiring minds began to gather early on at the base of the building to watch these male and female superheroes. Two local police cars kept the controls throughout the day – and even engaged in some humor, jokingly giving one participant a ‘ticket’ for “texting while rappelling.”

As the rappelers started to descend, onlookers cheered and shouted words of encouragement.  And as each rappeler cautiously stepped off the ledge of the roof, the crowd broke into raucous applause as they touched down to the safety of the sidewalk after their nerve-wracking 20 story descent.

It was a day full of energy, excitement, and giveaways - and all for a very good cause.

Dave, a first-time rappeler commented “That was incredible!” and “I can’t believe I just did that!” Marc Blumenfrucht, a staunch supporter of OHEL and Board Member of OHEL’s Camp Kaylie, commented after completing his descent, "I used to work in this building, and I could not miss the opportunity to rappel off of it!”

While participants had different motivators to overcome the fear of going over the edge, they all embraced an incredible day of activity to help an incredible organization. Robert Katz, OHEL’s Chief Development Officer, found the match between Over the Edge and OHEL perfectly symbolic. “OHEL helps thousands of people every year overcome their fears and challenges, helping them deal with trauma. At this event we watched people overcome challenges for only 20 minutes- our clients have challenges 24/7. This was an eye-opening experience.”

“This event took extreme sports to a new level of excitement” said Laurie Szenicer, OHEL’s Senior Development Coordinator who coordinated this first-of-its-kind event. “Team OHEL is involved in the 5 Boro Bike Tour, Marathon, Triathlon and 5 k’s and we still have slots available for the upcoming Marathon and Triathlon. We hope people will join us for all our exciting events.” 

For more information about how you can get involved with Team OHEL, and participate in their next heart racing activity, contact Laurie Szenicer at Laurie_Szenicer@ohelfamily.org or 718-686-3316 or visit www.ohelfamily.org

Check out some of the awesome pictures from the day! www.ohelfamily.org/?q=node/3006

Since 1969, OHEL Children’s Home and Family Services has served as a dependable haven of individual and family support, helping people of all ages effectively manage disability, surmount everyday challenges, heal from trauma, and manage with strength and dignity during times of crises