PAXTON \u2014 The view from the top of a tower in the center of Worcester gives a commanding sense of the area, one recently enjoyed by a Paxton resident.<\/p>\n
And rappelling down the side of the Mercantile Building may give a real appreciation of the height.<\/p>\n
Paxton resident Abby Tasca got that perspective recently as part of a fundraising effort on behalf of Canines for Disabled Kids.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe goal of this event is to spread awareness about Canines for Disabled Kids as an organization,\u201d Tasca said. \u201cThe money raised leading up to and after the event also helps the organization fund its activities, including scholarships for kids in need of service dogs.<\/p>\n
\u201cI have done this before at last year\u2019s event; however, the rappel did not lose its thrill. I don\u2019t get many butterflies throughout the experience since I\u2019m a bit of a daredevil,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAlthough, there is a moment when you first step onto the ledge of the roof before you drop into a sitting position where my adrenaline really kicks in. That moment is also when I get my favorite view; you\u2019re leaning off the edge a bit and the building seems to fall away around you, and I\u2019m left with a stunning view of the city,\u201d Tasca said.<\/p>\n
Tasca also is involved as an event volunteer who helps to plan the organization\u2019s annual Over The Edge Fundraiser.<\/p>\n
\u201cI also fundraise as a participant in the same manner as the general public, who can choose to join,\u201d Tasca said.<\/p>\n
\u201cRappelling helps with my fundraising in two ways. The first is to encourage the first $1,000 ahead of the event, as you need to raise at least that much to participate in the rappel. After the event has happened, I use the \u2018cool\u2019 and \u2018wow factors of rappelling down a 137 foot building to raise more money for the organization. I do this primarily through my social media.\u201d<\/p>\n
Michael Hendrickson did not rappel, but he got to see the activity through the lens of his camera.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt was a very unique experience. I was tethered in to the top, and as each participant would approach, I would get in place to get photos of them,\u201d Hendrickson said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI would watch them get their safety gear in order, and then the step up to the edge. It was fun, watching everyone cope with their innate fear of heights. I decided to not do it, because I definitely have a fear of heights,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Hendrickson, who operates UnityMike Photography, is from Boylston originally and lived in Worcester for many years; he now has an office in West Boylston above Gerardo\u2019s Italian Bakery and has lived in Holden for about five years.<\/p>\n
\u201cCanines for Disabled Kids is a 501(c)(3) based in Worcester,\u201d said Kristin Hartness, executive director of the organization that was started in Sterling. \u201cCDK provides community education of service dogs, assists families and individuals with determining the type of service dog needed and finding the training program to produce the needed ADA compliant service dog; and provides scholarships to help children cover some of the training costs.<\/p>\n
\u201cCDK does not charge for the services provided. CDK specializes in working with children and student-focused environments. Staff and volunteers travel to provide these services in communities and schools across the country to assure properly trained service dogs have full access when working with their person,\u201d Hartness said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis year\u2019s event was more successful than last year. We have room for growth and are planning to Go Over the Edge for CDK again in fall 2023. This year, the event had more people rappel; more company support, from cash and in-kind donations; increased media support; and increased donations from individuals,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
TheeventwasruninDecember 2021 and again in November 2022. CDK is planning to do this event annually. The 2023 date has not been set but will be available by January, Hartness said.<\/p>\n
\u201cSo far this year, almost $12,000 was raised. This could be six to 12 scholarships. Scholarships are awarded in January and June,\u201d Harness said. Scholarship amounts are a range. \u201cThe more we raise, the more we award. Participants are updating their pages but some still could use help reaching their goals. Donations can be made to the event at Support Over The Edge for CDK | PledgeIt for Charities.\u201d She said donations also go toward one-one-one support provided to families and educational programs in schools and communities across the country.<\/p>\n
With the CDK\u2019s annual budget of about $262,000, \u201cthe goal is for the event to grow significantly, allowing larger scholarships to more applicants and expanded support to service dog users and the communities they live in,\u201d Hartness said.<\/p>\n
Donations can also be made by mail or online at Canines For Disabled Kids (caninesforkids. org). Tasca\u2019s participant page is Support Abby T – Over The Edge for CDK | PledgeIt for Charities.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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