Kids charity offers chance to rappel off I-Drive hotel

Sure, plenty of people walk or run to raise money for charity. But would they jump off a 32-story building?

Amid the usual galas, golf tournaments and 5K jogs, Give Kids The World — the Kissimmee nonprofit that provides all-expensespaid vacations to kids with lifethreatening illnesses and their families — is trying something more extreme.

More than 60 people have signed up to rappel off the Hyatt Regency on International Drive today and Friday — a drop of 428 feet — and they’ve pledged to raise at least $1,000 apiece for the privilege.

“It is pretty wacky,” says Emily Wagner, brand engagement manager for the charity. “We expected it to appeal to people who are maybe 35 and younger, but we’ve had people who said they’re doing this because they’re turning 50 this year, or they’re turning 60, or because ‘I want pictures to send to my grandkids.’ It’s very diverse.”

It’s also very safe, she says. Give Kids The World has contracted with Over The Edge, a company launched in 2004 to operate rappelling events for nonprofit organizations. The company has since raised over $71 million without “a single incident or accident at any event,” Give Kids The World says.

The idea came up last summer as the charity’s leaders were looking for a way to attract donors beyond the usual crowd.

“We knew this hadn’t really been [done] in Orlando ... and we wanted something fresh — but from an organization that has a strong track record,” Wagner says.

A group of VIPs — including Give Kids The World CEO Pamela Landwirth — will go first today, starting at 3 p.m. But the main event is Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, 9801 International Drive.

And there are still a dozen or so slots open for participants. They’ll get training, safety equipment, a chance to practice and an invitation to the “Courage Reception” at the hotel tonight. To sign up, go to gktw.org.