Thrill-seekers climb over the edge of Buffalo’s tallest building for a good cause

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — It’s the event that takes fundraising to new heights.

More than 40 thrill-seekers gathered at Seneca One on Friday for “Over The Edge,” an opportunity to rappel down Buffalo’s tallest building to raise money for The Arc Erie County.

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“It’s great,” said Doug DiGesare, CEO of Arc Erie County.

The Arc Erie County is a nonprofit organization that supports children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. “People raise about $2,000 to have the opportunity to rappel down the building and that helps support the organization. It’s a great opportunity for people to get involved with us.”

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Participants in the Over The Edge fundraiser on Friday ranged in age from 14 to 80. Among the most daring is Chase Fraser of the Buffalo Bandits.

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“It was cool, it was a good experience,” Fraser said. “I went up there and I could see a beautiful view of the city.”

Grace Edwards, 14, also abseiled down the side of Seneca One.

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“A lot of people told me not to look down, but that’s the first thing I did,” Edwards said. “It was a lot to take in, but I’m really glad I did it and I would probably do it again.”

To get the full picture of the event, 7 News anchor Jeff Russo and photojournalist DL Webster went to the roof of Seneca One and caught up with Cheektowaga’s Madi Jaszcz as she prepared to rappel down to 529 feet to the ground.

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“This is the scariest thing I’ve ever done,” Jaszcz said, while emphasizing the importance of the cause. “An incredible cause. I’m so happy to be here, but I’m terrified to look down right now.”

Moments later, Jaczcz shouted “goodbye” as she safely began her journey to the tower.

This was the second year for the “Over the Edge” event. The hope is that the fundraiser will continue for years to come.

“We’re the only ones doing this in the West New York area,” DiGesare said. “It’s a lot of fun. We’re really proud that it’s happening.”