Rappelling event raises money for veterans in Orlando

ORLANDO, Fla. (WOFL FOX 35) - Orange County Sheriff John Mina was one of the people rappelling down the side of Orlando Regional Medical Center, Saturday morning, taking part in Over the Edge, a fundraiser for the Heart of Florida United Way.

Each rappeler raised at least a thousand dollars, said Jeff Hayward, Heart of Florida United Way CEO. 

“Once they reach that thousand dollar goal, they go down 15 stories at ORMC,” he said.

The money benefits Mission United, a United Way fund that helps veterans. 

“We organized this event to bring the community out, draw attention to veterans - May is veterans appreciation month - and raise money in a unique and extreme way,” Hayward said.

In all, 50 rappelers from across the community took the leap from the ORMC roof to help raise the cash, including Chauncey McIntosh and Reeves Valentine.

“The intensity is nothing compared to the men and women who serve our nation and that's kind of why we do this,” McIntosh said.

“We're just proud to be representing everything they do for us and this is a fun way to do it!” Valentine said.

The rappelers raised about $100,000, all of which will help veterans with services like housing, financial aid assistance and job readiness.