Rappellers will descend approximately 357 feet from the top of the Manchester Grand Hyatt on Nov. 6 beginning at 8 a.m. in an effort to raise money for Kids Included Together (KIT) at the second annual Over the Edge for KIT event. KIT is a nonprofit organization that supports recreational development, child youth development programs for children both with and without disabilities. It trains groups and organizations, such as the YMCA and Boys and Girls clubs, on how to better serve and incorporate youth with disabilities into activities. “We are a training organization,” said Alicia Cook, KIT spokeswoman. When KIT staffers were brainstorming ideas for its annual fundraiser last year, the team realized they needed to get creative. KIT’s CEO, Jan Giacinti, decided that rappelling was the way to go. The premise being that hopeful rappellers will raise $1,000 and then be awarded with the rare opportunity to rappel from the Manchester Grand Hyatt’s Seaport Tower. KIT utilized the services of Over the Edge, a Canadian company that assists nonprofits with not only the fundraising portion of the event, but is also responsible for training and sending thrill seekers “over the edge.” Last year’s event began with Giacinti, 60 at the time, rappelling alongside her daughter. “The hardest thing is that first step,” Giacinti said. Later that day, Lucas Keller rappelled down in his wheel chair. “When KIT began in 1997, I was one of the first people that they supported in an after school program,” Keller said. He will return to once again tackle the 33-story Seaport Tower of the hotel and serve as this year’s honorary chair for the event, said Giacinti. Last year’s event generated more than $50,000 for San Diego KIT programs. To participate in the event, donate money or find out more information visit www.overthe-edgeforkit.com. No experience is necessary and spectators are welcome at the event, which will run until 5 p.m. There will be entertainment and food, in addition to viewing many daring individuals rappel down a recognizable city structure.
