Retired educator Paula Clark represents Logan County on the Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center board. She and fellow board member Jennifer Bryant co-authored this article.

A new, exciting fundraiser is coming to Bowling Green. Are you ready to “step off” and challenge yourself? Do you possess a passion for helping children? The Barren River Area Child Advocacy Center (BRACAC) wants you to go “Over the Edge” for Child Advocacy, a rappelling adventure at Stadium Park Plaza. Each rappeler commits to raising $1,000 or more to rappel down the Stadium Park Plaza's five stories.

On September 21 and 22, 92 rappelers will experience a "once-in-a-lifetime," thrilling experience. No rappelling experience is required: Some may be rock climbers, marathon runners, and some may enjoy strolling around the block or throwing a beach ball with the kids.  

Is it safe? Over the Edge Global ensures that safety is the most important aspect of this event. Each rappeler receives instruction about rappelling; then trained volunteers assist the rappeler with the safety harness. As each rappeler descends and enjoys the experience, volunteers at the top of the plaza and on the ground assist with the ropes and carefully observe the rappeler’s descent. 

Family, friends, and coworkers are encouraged to attend the event and shout encouragement to their favorite rappelers as they descend. Don't think you are too old: At another Over the Edge fundraiser, a lady in her 80s went over the edge!  Five stories may sound daunting but think about rappelling Orlando's Hyatt Regency's 32 stories or Denver's Hyatt Regency Convention Center’s 38.

Most importantly, each rappeler will be supporting a great cause: helping to provide services to children who have been sexually abused. These services include forensic interviewing, child sexual abuse medical examinations, counseling for the victim, and support for the victim’s family. Also, the funds will allow for increased awareness and a prevention program called: Darkness to Light’s Stewards of Children.

Last fiscal year, the center served 591 children; the need for BRACAC’s services is increasing each year. Funds raised through Over the Edge will assist in providing these needed services for these child victims. All services are provided free to the victim and the family.

The Center’s Great Teddy Bear Run will continue to be part of the agency’s fundraising plan, but with the continuing increase in needed services, BRACAC's Board of Directors feel an additional fundraiser is needed, especially a unique one  BRACAC has secured exclusive rights to host the Over the Edge event in this region.

Not only are rappelers being recruited but also sponsorships for the event. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $5,000. Already, BRACAC has partnered with Med Center Health and WBKO. Additional sponsorships are available, and each sponsorship includes at least one rappeler slot. Sponsorships are given recognition either through television, radio, print or social media.  

Employees can use Over the Edge to “Toss Their Boss “or church members can “Pitch their Pastor.” As a great team-building event, employees or church members can raise $1,500 to send the boss or pastor over the edge. For those who are “too chicken” to rappel the five stories, he or she can raise funds to sit in the chicken coop, a cozy place to cheer on the rappelers as they scale down Stadium Park Plaza.

Are you ready to sign up and join us? On BRACAC’s website www.bracac.org, you will find on the right the Over the Edge logo with the rappeler, click on the image and fill out the registration form. You may also visit us online to donate to others who are going over. We are looking forward to your joining us in making a positive impact in our communities.