Special Olympics Fundraiser Takes Participants Over the Edge of 38-Story San Francisco Union Square Hotel
90 participants rappelled down from the roof of the Union Square hotel, Grand Hyatt San Francisco
San Francisco, CA (PRWEB) August 16, 2010
The thrill of pushing off the roof of a 38-story building and living to tell about it appealed to many adrenaline junkies and thrill-seekers.
The Grand Hyatt San Francisco (http://www. grandhyattsanfrancisco. com) hosted a fundraising rappelling event for Special Olympics Northern California on July 23-24. As many as 90 people made their way down the east side of the San Francisco Union Square hotel (http://www. grandhyattsanfrancisco. com/activities) on two ropes. Those who climbed and bounced down the hotel wall had each gathered pledges from donors leading up to the event. Special Olympics raised over $150,000 from the event. Long-time supporter Tesoro Corp. was the presenting sponsor.
This event took a lot of courage for everyone who decided to rappel 425 feet in the middle of San Francisco. "We're excited about offering a new experience while raising much-needed funds for our athletes," said Rick Collett, CEO and President of Special Olympics Northern California. "Our athletes have a lot of courage and take risks everyday when they try to do something thought to be impossible by most.
"Our Union Square hotel (http://www. grandhyattsanfrancisco. com/services-amenities) went over the top for a great cause," said David Nadelman, General Manager of Grand Hyatt San Francisco, who also rappelled over the edge of the building. "I wanted to support all those athletes who try hard and prove there's nothing they can't do when they try. If they can do that everyday, certainly I could do this once and go over the edge for the athletes."
All participants had to be in good health and weigh no less than 110 pounds and no more than 300 pounds. The rappelling was supervised by Over the Edge trained personnel, a Nova Scotia company that has organized dozens of rappelling events all over North America. All funds raised go directly toward providing training opportunities, equipment, uniforms and practice venues for some 14,000 Special Olympics athletes across Northern California.
Look for future information regarding the 2011 rappelling event on www. OverTheEdgeSF. com].
About Special Olympics Northern California
Special Olympics Northern California is a free year-round sports training and competition program for children and adults with developmental disabilities. About 14,000 athletes compete in over 170 competitions throughout the region in 12 sports. This gives them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendships with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community Financial support comes almost exclusively from individuals, organizations, corporations, and foundations. Find out how you can be a fan and visit www. SONC. org].
About Grand Hyatt San Francisco
Grand Hyatt San Francisco is located on Union Square in the heart of downtown San Francisco amid world renowned shopping, theaters, and walking distance to Moscone Convention Center and famous landmarks. Grand Hyatt San Francisco features 685 luxurious guest rooms, 22,000 square feet of meeting space, a state-of-the art amphitheater, and function space with a 36th floor panoramic view of the City skyline. Other amenities include 36th floor Grandviews Restaurant & Lounge, fitness center, business center, and Allergy Friendly guest rooms powered by PURE. For more information call (415) 398-1234 or visit www. grandhyattsanfrancisco. com].
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