What was it like to rappel down the Chase building in downtown Columbus?  Welcome to one of the most amazing things I’ve ever done.

I quickly realized that It was more than the 13 stories I’d been bragging about. Our COhatch team consisted of Jorge Sanclemente and me, one of our original Delaware members. We took the elevator up to the 21st floor, then, after ducking pipes, started walking up flights of stairs. It began to sink in that it was about to happen, but panic was kept at bay by encouraging signs and volunteers thanking us for what we were about to do. When we got out on the roof, we were greeted by wispy clouds curling around the towering CHASE letters suspended above us. It was haunting, beautiful, and frightening.

So why was I standing 330 feet above the city (actually 26 stories!) dressed in a helmet, harness, and gloves? Over the Edge is the primary fundraiser for Gracehaven, one of our Impact Scholars. They are the only licensed therapeutic residential group home and specialty care provider for survivors of child sex trafficking. The shocking fact is that there are more than 1,100 identified youth trafficked every year in Ohio, and most are sold by friends and parents. Who knows how many are unknown? Gracehaven has a web of care cast over our state, providing case management and awareness education for thousands of young people. Their team faces an uphill battle on a small budget. The reality is horrifying, way more than going over the side of a building, so I decided to face my fears and do it.

The hardest part was going over the physical Edge of the building, but the safety gear and staff training we received made it less frightening. Once suspended on the ropes and heading down, it was fun. OK, I was petrified and, not knowing any better, skittered down the side of the building ahead of everyone else. But I did it. We did it, and you can too!

COhatch wants to assemble a big team to participate this year. Spaces are limited to the first 100 people who raise at least $1,250. We will raise money individually and as Team COhatch. If rappelling 330 feet down is a solid “NO,” you can still participate by sponsoring our team. We will be holding a drawing to select one member to go down with the team. Stay tuned for details. The event is on 6/14 (614 Day!).

Gracehaven is Ohio’s only licensed therapeutic residential group home and specialty care provider for survivors of child sex trafficking. There are more than 1,100 identified youth trafficked every year in Ohio, with thousands more at risk for exploitation. Headquartered in Columbus, Gracehaven provides comprehensive case management statewide and awareness education annually to thousands of young people in schools and community settings—the faith-based non-profit works closely with many other anti-trafficking organizations and the Governor’s Human Trafficking Task Force.

Gracehaven offers intervention training to professionals, parents, and other concerned adults from various businesses and organizations. Together, we can learn the signs of exploitation and get equipped to intervene appropriately, preventing potential trafficking situations and bringing hope and healing to young survivors.

Our team of experienced, trauma-informed, compassionate network advocates regularly speaks with and presents to teens and adults in schools, shelters, juvenile detention centers, community events, and corporate settings across Ohio, tailoring each presentation to the group’s needs. If your organization is interested in scheduling a session, please reach out at www.gracehaven.me

By The Numbers: Gracehaven 2023

• 3,285 students participated in prevention education
• 873 participants attended awareness events
• 992 adults participated in intervention training
• 111 teens received case management services
• 11 girls received residential care at Gracehaven’s therapeutic group home

Over The Edge is Gracehaven’s “tallest fundraiser of the year.” Our 9th annual event will occur this year on Fri., 6/14 (“614 Day”). How better to celebrate Columbus than with the best views of the city?!

Over The Edge is a unique “thrill with a cause,” allowing participants the excitement of rappelling 330 feet (26 stories) off the Chase Tower in downtown Columbus. You won’t find another event quite like it in our area. Sign up now to jump in June!

Spaces are limited to the first ~100 people who raise at least $1,250, with every dollar raised by rappellers directly supporting Gracehaven’s essential work. Corporate teams are welcome, with multiple rappelling spots included at Rope and Belay Sponsor levels and marketing/advertising perks incentivizing this top-notch team-building opportunity. Volunteers and community champions are needed. A Drop Zone sponsor would help Gracehaven soar to new heights!

“It’s an extreme event for an extreme need,” explains Vicky Thompson, Gracehaven’s Development Director, who has rappelled twice at Over The Edge.

More information is at www.gracehavenovertheedge.com