Karen Jones , Youth and Young Producer Specialist kjones @ growmark . com

To what length would you go to support a cause you believe in ?

Most people would give some amount of money or volunteer their time . Some choose to serve on a board or steering committee . Those who are truly committed might agree to sit in a dunk tank , take a pie in the face , run a 5K , or even shave their head .

But how many people would choose to rappel down the side of a 13-story building ?

“ I was absolutely fine until I got out on the roof , and they told me to put my feet on the edge and lean back – then I had some anxiety ,” said Kory Kraus , General Manager of Illini FS .

Kraus was one of 60 people who participated in the Champaign County Farm Bureau ( CCFB ) Foundation ’ s inaugural Over the Edge fundraising event , held on April 1 in Urbana , Illinois . The Over the Edge organization works with non-profits to create urban rappelling experiences , sending supporters literally over the edge of tall buildings in the name of helping a good cause .

“ Our Foundation raises money for Ag in the Classroom programming and annual scholarships totally more than $ 75,000 ,” said Kirk Builta , Champaign County Farm Bureau Foundation Executive Director . “ We hold events including a gala and a golf outing , but we wanted to try something new .”

After researching creative fundraising ideas , Builta and his team decided to approach his board of directors with Over the Edge .

“ The board was intrigued by the idea , and we were immediately curious to learn more ,” said Kraus , who also serves as a CCFB Foundation board member . “ After learning that this company has a 100 percent safety record , we decided it would be a good fundraiser for the Foundation . I appreciate the outside the box thinking and believe it ’ s important for FS companies to support the Farm Bureaus in their territories .”

Each participant was asked to set a fundraising goal of at least $ 1000 for the opportunity to rappel . Those who wanted to raise funds but were too “ chicken ” to walk down the side of a building were allowed to designate someone else to rappel in their place while they watched from the Chicken Coop . All of the fundraising took place through an online platform , which made it simple for everyone involved .

“ We worked hard to get several groups involved from the county and the University of Illinois campus ,” Builta said . “ We got permission to block off the street in front of Hendrick House ( where the rappelling took place ) and brought in educational ag activities for spectators . We also offered a pizza party to the ag fraternity or sorority who raised the most funds .”

The morning of the event was crisp and cool , but the sun was out when Kraus was fitted with a safety harness , helmet , and gloves . After a brief lesson on the safety equipment and hand signals , he climbed a ladder to a scaffolding set up 130 feet in the air . One final check , and he stepped off the ledge to walk backwards down the side of the building . The trek took about 10 minutes , and a group of cheering Illini FS employees greeted him when he put his feet back on solid ground .

“ Would I do it again ? Absolutely , in a heartbeat .”