UCC staff will go “Over the Edge” for a good cause with Adoption Network Cleveland

A Cleveland nonprofit organization supporting members of the adoption community is raising funds in an exciting way this summer at the home of the National Ministries of the United Church of Christ. Adoption Network Cleveland is partnering with Over The Edge to host an urban rappelling event at the AECOM building at 1300 E. 9th Street. The UCC is sponsoring the event, and several UCC staff members will be participating.

Courageous participants will have the opportunity to rappel 255-feet from the roof of the building to the ground with the careful guidance of trained experts, on Saturday, August 22. Those who are brave enough will have a fabulous view of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline as friends, families and onlookers cheer them on.

When participants sign up for the challenge they commit to raising funds for Adoption Network Cleveland, which supports adoptive, foster and kinship families, adult adoptees and birth parents, and those who have made DNA discoveries about their family.

Supporting the diverse ways families are formed

Members of the UCC staff who will be “going over the edge” include Chief of Staff, the Rev. Joshua Baird, as well as Global Ministries program assistant Eric Lautzenhiser, and the Rev. Rachel Hackenberg, publisher of the Pilgrim Press.

Hackenberg said that she’s looking forward to the opportunity. “I’m participating not only to have a unique view of Cleveland from our rooftop, but also in support of the diverse ways that families are formed,” said Hackenberg.

Lautzenhiser shares a similar motivation. “Sure, I may be a little bit of a thrill-seeker, but the first uncomfortable backwards baby steps over the edge are frightening even for the faithful,” he said. “Yet, knowing God’s embrace, I’ll gladly dangle by a thread and descend a deep drop to uplift and support all who are connected by the good works of the Adoption Network Cleveland.”

Adoption Network founder and executive director Betsie Norris is thankful for those who commit to join in. “Every descent helps lift up a child or person in need as we raise funds for Adoption Network Cleveland’s programs and services in our community. We’re excited to watch dedicated participants go ‘Over The Edge’ with a thrilling urban rappel to support our work. Whether it’s an adrenaline-seeker ready to rappel, a donor looking to support a great cause, or a volunteer hoping to contribute time, there’s a way for everyone to make a difference. We are grateful to partner with the United Church of Christ as a sponsor of this event.”

The Rev. George Graham, pastor of Pilgrim Congregational UCC in Cleveland, made the introduction to the UCC. Graham is a former employee of Adoption Network Cleveland, as well as an adoptive parent. “Adoption Network Cleveland has been with our family every step of the way for more than two decades—from helping us make the decision to adopt, to supporting us as a transracial adoptive family, to navigating challenging issues in adolescence.” Graham also shared that his connection to ANC continues. “We are thrilled to have the ANC offices in our church building and to count them as a community partner.”

If you’d like to participate in the fundraiser, you can find more information and register HERE. You can help support participants HERE. They are each trying to raise at least $1,000.

ANC’s “Over the Edge” will be emceed by Cleveland Cavaliers announcer Tim Alcorn. The UCC news team will be covering the event on August 22, so stay tuned for more!

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