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On Sunday, August 6, fifty people conquered their fears and rappelled 29 stories down the side of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. The event, called Over The Edge, was a fundraiser for Reality Changers, a local nonprofit that prepares youth from underserved communities to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.
Rappellers included Fox 5 Reporter Julian Del Gaudio, Reality Changers graduate and social media influencer Stephanie Bueno, and community members who came together to support a good cause. An estimated 150 spectators showed up cheer on the rappellers as they descended down the side of the building, using a special 5-point safety harness and climbing-certified ropes.
Funds raised as part of Over The Edge will support tutoring, mentorship, and college application assistance programs for local youth who want to be the first in their families to graduate from college. With support from these programs, Reality Changers participants are seven times more likely to graduate than their similar peers.
Tamara Craver, Reality Changers President & CEO said, “We know that college degrees can make a huge difference for our students. On average, a Bachelor’s degree increases an individual’s lifetime earnings by 84%.”
Reality Changers has had more than 3,300 graduates since 2001. The program has worked with students to overcome serious challenges, such as homelessness, gang-involvement, and refugee status. Hard-working program participants have become doctors, lawyers, engineers, business owners, and more.
Jennifer Coburn, a long time Reality Changers volunteer and local author, fundraised as part of the event. She said, “Reality Changers is the single greatest investment a person can make in the San Diego community because these amazing young students use their advanced degrees to improve the social and economic wellbeing of our city. Participating in Reality Changers is my way of living the principle of Tikkun Olam because supporting Reality Changers students helps them repair the world.”
Reality Changers will host Over The Edge again in 2024. Anyone can join the 2024 Interest List to stay updated on that event and receive a code for discounted registration. Learn more at RealityChangers.org
Reality Changers prepares youth to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities. Reality Changers is a donor and volunteer-supported 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Learn more at RealityChangers.org
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