For years, the Dreams Centerhas held a gala for its big yearly fundraiser. Not this year. Executive Director, Matt Carvin, has something totally different in mind: rappelling down the side of the Blockade Runner Hotel. Everyone who wants to contribute doesn't actually have to do this-for instance, you can help sponsor those who do, and you can come to the block party at the Blockade Runner to witness and celebrate the brave souls who are coming down. Carvin and former director Tracy Wilkes will both be putting on the harness and bouncing their way down the building...and one of them will be wearing a clown suit. Listen to our interview above to find out why.
The rappelling expert, Over the Edge, helps non-profits around the country raise money this way. This is how it works: A limited number of people will be able to rappel down the building- in this case, 90. Each spot requires a donation of $1,000 to the Dreams Center. Businesses are encouraged to sign up; on the way down, whoever is representing the business can use the opportunity for promotion. Individuals can elicit funding from friends, family, and businesses to pay for their rappel. There are a number of interesting possibilities;read more here. The big day, featuring rappelling, food, music, and art by Dreams students, is November 19. We'll hear more from Matt Carvin about this avant-garde gala-replacer as the date draws near.
If you would like to help Carvin get Tracy in the clown suit, you can support his cause right here.
