UCC Staffers rappel off National Ministries headquarters for adoption fundraiser

It might have appeared that Spiderman was in town, but Clevelanders were witness to some thrill-seeking individuals who were hanging off the side of a city skyscraper for a good cause. Three brave United Church of Christ staff members suited up in harness gear, ascended to the top of the AECOM building–home of the UCC National Ministries offices–and rappelled down on a beautiful summer morning on Saturday, August 22. This exciting event was to raise funds and awareness for Adoption Network Cleveland (ANC), a community organization supporting members of the adoption community.

The “Over the Edge” event was an urban rappelling adventure providing unique experiences for participants while raising funds to support continued excellence in program and service delivery for those touched by adoption.

The Rev. Joshua Baird, UCC’s Chief of Staff, as well as Rev. Rachel Hackenberg, publisher of The Pilgrim Press, and Eric Lautzenhiser, program assistant for the Global Ministries team took part in this activity, rappelling 255 feet to the ground with careful assistance of trained experts, along with about 50 others who committed to making the leap.

Adoption Network Executive Director and founder Betsie Norris was grateful for the UCC’s sponsorship. “Your support helped make this event possible and, more importantly, helped us continue connecting and empowering people whose lives have been impacted by adoption, foster care and kinship care,” she said.  

“It was wonderful to see UCC’s team embrace the spirit of the event and literally go the extra mile—or extra 20 stories—to support our mission! We loved having the UCC team there—not just as supporters, but as fellow adventurers willing to step outside their comfort zones for a great cause!”

UCC News was on the roof and on the ground to capture every moment. Enjoy some of the photos and videos we took and relive some of the thrills from the day. 

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