On Friday, I rappelled down 11 stories. I volunteered to go "Over the Edge" for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley's 7th-annual OTE for the Kids' Sake fundraiser. Myself and around 80 other "Edgers" rappelled down Hotel Blackhawk Friday and Saturday.
The event helps Big Brothers Big Sisters expand its one-on-one youth mentoring programs — an important connection for some Quad-City students, or "Littles" in the program. "It actually helps me and other kids a lot with building our personality and our character, and its helped a lot with school," said Rylan Speer, a BBBS Little who just started his sixth-grade year at Smart Intermediate School in Davenport. "And, we have someone to talk to if we have problems," he said, adding his three years in BBBS has helped him grow more confident, too.
Now, when it comes to stuff like rappelling, I'm a bit of a thrill-seeker. Heights have never really scared me, and I'm a big fan of the views that come with a good ol' elevated surface. So when The Quad-City Times said they needed a volunteer, I was happy to do it.
It failed to really hit me — that I'd be traversing down 140 feet with no prior rappelling experience — until mid-day Friday. If you happened to be stuck inside Friday evening, it was beautiful and sunny. I walked from the office to Hotel Blackhawk and barely broke a sweat.
I was sure to arrive early, as to give myself enough time to work any nerves out before going OTE. I spent about an hour chilling and chatting with fellow Quad-City newsfolk in the "waiting room" before my name was finally summoned. OTE volunteers then helped me into my harness — fastening all the important ropes and making sure things "click" — before handing me a bright orange helmet and gloves.
Next, I was ever-so-kindly escorted up to the roof with a BBBS "Big" and "Little," both of whom offering words of encouragement for my rappelling debut. Once I made it to the roof, another volunteer (quite literally) showed me the ropes. I practiced lowering myself down from a stool a couple of times before getting in line.
It was hot up there. I still didn't feel nervous at this point, though I also couldn't help but feel my hands incessantly shake at the same time. Thankfully, the OTE folks and our friendly neighborhood reporter Tom Geyer were there to reassure me.
At last, the clock struck 5:45 p.m. — it was my time to conquer the Hotel Blackhawk.
Channel 4 (Our Quad Cities) meteorologist Andy McCray warned me the dismount catches one by surprise (he was right.) Edgers are instructed to "act like you're sitting in a chair" with your legs straight — and when you're being hoisted up by a skinny-looking orange and yellow rope 140 feet+ in the air, that's not the most comfortable feeling. After everything was secure and I was deemed ready-to-go, I posed for a quick "no hands" pic before taking my first step down Hotel Blackhawk.
I can't lie to you guys — it was a slow, one might even say rough, start. I had trouble keeping my feet actually on the building, so I often found myself hovering in limbo (it probably looked really funny.) Once I realized how embarrassingly slow I was progressing down Hotel Blackhawk, I knew it was time to lock-in.
I finally found better pacing, and by the time I had roughly a quarter-length down, I kind of just let myself gently fly down the rest of the way. By that point, I was sweaty. My hands were still shaking, as I could barely sign my name onto the 2024 Edgers "Wall of Fame" board — but man was it a sick adrenaline high.
My cheeks hurt from smiling, especially after seeing my family; my boyfriend, Colin, and colleague Sarah Watson waiting for me on the ground. It felt nice to have that support, much like it felt nice supporting the great cause that is BBBS. My OTE fundraising page has only totaled $275 so far (which pssst, you can donate until tomorrow); still, it was great to have a hand in supporting the organization, as it was to cross "Rappel down 11 stories" off my hypothetical bucket list.
While I already "nominated" my colleague, Grace Kinnicutt, to go OTE next year, I'd encourage everyone to support the event in some way, shape or form. If the rappelling itself isn't up your isle, BBBS is always looking for event-day volunteers. I'd also encourage you to donate if you're able, and if you have the time to spare, consider volunteering as a BBBS "Big" — it might just be life-changing.
"It's an opportunity to help a young man (or woman) grow and give them another view of things," said George Starks, a BBBS Big of three months now. "I didn't have something like this when I was (Rylan's) age, and I think that would have helped me even be further in my career now." To learn more about BBBS of the Mississippi Valley, visit www.
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