20 October 2009

Suozzi Jumps Over The Edge And Rappels Down 8 Stories With Almost 100 Business And Community Leaders

Will Benefit Autism And Other Disabilities Whose Services Have Been Seriously Threatened Or Curtailed By Budget Cuts

Garden City, NY - Nassau County Executive Thomas R. Suozzi was joined by Legislator Dave Mejias (D-Farmingdale), and almost 100 civic, community and business leaders to jump off the ledge of 600 Old Country Road and rappel down over 8 stories to raise money and awareness for Long Islanders with autism and other special needs.

The rappelling event, called ''Over the Edge USA'' marked the first time the event was held in New York State, and the group hopes to rappel down a large skyscraper in Manhattan in the spring.  Funds raised will benefit The National Foundation for Human Potential/Family Residences and Essential Enterprises along with Autism Speaks.

“I took this “leap of faith” to bring attention to the need for continued support of Autism and special needs charities,” said County Executive Suozzi. “The economic crisis is affecting charities all over the country, and they need our support now more than ever.”

The event was organized by Over the Edge (OTE), a USA based special events company that provides signature fundraising events to non profit organizations anywhere throughout North America. Started in 2003 in Canada by businessman Paul Griffith, OTE supported all technical aspects of the event including industrial rappelling experts, equipment, insurance, and performed all participant safety training. It also provided a best practices manual to help the non profit get started. Information about Over the Edge is available at www.overtheedgeusa.com