Information: www.specialolympicsga.org
One of the most popular fundraisers for Special Olympics Georgia took place on April 26 in Buckhead. Rappelling down 20 stories of Buckhead Tower, 110 people faced their fear for the games that support athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Morgan Stanley’s Michael Outlaw participated in Over The Edge, also known as Toss Your Boss, to raise money for the cause because he said it’s close to his heart. “We have two coworkers who are coaches in Special Olympics and one who has a daughter who competes in the games,” said Outlaw. “I am beyond nervous to go down 20 stories of that building, but I am excited to be a part of such a special event.”
Over the Edge started in 2012 and became SOGA’s biggest fundraiser. The money raised is to support Georgia’s chapter, but the organization wants to reach out to more athletes.
“Special Olympics Georgia is one of the biggest chapters in the nation with over 26,000 athletes,” said Autumn Unrein, director of Law Enforcement Torch Run & Events. “But there are so many athletes that we still don’t reach, and we really want to expand the games to include as many people as possible.”
If rappelling down 20 stories doesn’t sound like something you could or would do, Unrein encourages the community to get involved with SOGA in many other ways. Whether its coaching the athletes to volunteering with the 5Ks or fundraising, every bit of involvement helps further the cause of the nonprofit which was founded in 1968 by Eunice Kennedy Shriver.
Outlaw and his team raised over $4,000. He rappelled with colleague Brittany Wilson.
“We have a responsibility to make our community a better place for everyone in it,” said Outlaw. “It’s not only incredibly exciting, but also very inspiring.”
In all this year’s Over The Edge raised over $160,000. It costs SOGA $100 to send one athlete to the Special Olympics. There are five state games a year and the next one will be held on May 30 at Emory University.
In other news: Cambridge High School's drama program used their recent production of Annie the Musical to help homeless animals. They partnered with the Humane Society of Forsyth County to raise awareness and collect food donations. The drama program collected 265 pounds of dry food plus 203 cans for the animal shelter.
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