During his 30-year career, Dan Harazim has seen buildings from nearly every angle. But this September, the SLAM Collaborative architect will see the Connecticut River Plaza like never before — as he rappels down its 17-story façade.
And, he won’t be alone. In fact, Harazim expects be one of more than 70 people to take the plunge Sept. 9 as part of the Connecticut Rivers Council of Boy Scout’s inaugural “Take a Giant Step for Scouting” event, the first fundraiser of its kind in Connecticut.
“In a recovering economy, we were looking for an innovative event,” said Bob Porell, public relations director for the council, “and at the same time, we felt that rappelling a building tied to the spirit of adventure, courage and leadership that scouting promotes.”
And rappelling itself isn’t the only tall order; each participant must raise $1,000. Harazim raised his total in eight days. His motivation, he says, was as much about helping a cause as it was an opportunity to check “rappel down skyscraper” off his bucket list.
“For me, it’s a perfect storm,” said Harazim, an assistant scoutmaster. “I get to raise money for an organization that has helped teach my 16-year-old son positive values and, as an architect, get to descend a building with nothing but rope between me and the ground.”
And it’s more than just architects signing up for the adventure, notes Porell. “We have teachers, lawyers, and business leaders involved,” he said. Even those who fear heights can still participate through the event’s Toss the Boss campaign, where employees can pool together $1,000 to nominate a manager or senior leader to take the plunge. “The managers, of course, can raise their own $1,000 to get out of rappelling,” Porell explained. Overall, the council hopes to the event nets at least $75,000.
And there’s a good chance they’ll surpass that goal, since there are few restrictions on who can participate, aside from weight and age. “Although typically the minimal age requirement is 18, those even younger can participate with a parental waiver” Porell said, noting a handful of current scouts are planning to make the descent.
For Harazim, his rappelling adventure will be the farthest his descended since college — when he accidentally fell 20 feet off a wall and broke his foot. “I hope this descent goes better,” he joked.
True to its motto, the Scouts, of course, are fully prepared for safety. “We have contracted with a U.S.-based company called Over the Edge that specializes in these types of events,” Porell explained. In fact, the company, which complies with OSHA standards, has conducted more than 35 rappelling events — with thousands of participants — across the U.S. and Canada without a single injury or incident.
Harazim, for his part, is more excited than concerned. “I really like heights,” he said, adding “when I’m securely tethered.” This September, he’ll see if that’s still true from 17 stories up.
Individuals interested in rappelling can sign up at www.aGiantstep.kintera.org. For more information, please contact Porell at 860-913-2714 or Robert.Porell@Scouting.org.
