By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore 

Ninety locals took a leap of faith last weekend, in an adrenaline-rushing demonstration of their commitment to improve the lives of Miami children and families, by literally going “Over the Edge” – to rappel 19 stories (200 meters) down the side of the JW Marriott Marquis building on Biscayne Boulevard Way.  The second-annual event raised $115,000 for the  Miami Children’s Initiative, a nonprofit organization developed to  improve Liberty City by investing in every child. Participants included local community, civic and business leaders, elected officials, celebrities, philanthropists, and members of the general public. 

The organization’s signature “Over the Edge” fundraiser, which is unique to South Florida, featured a new twist this year.  Through a social media contest named: “Wed Over the Edge,” one lucky couple was selected to exchange wedding vows atop the downtown Miami hotel before rappelling. Kind of makes the “’til death do us part” vow a potentially less binding. The winning couple, Rebecca Shackelford and Carlos Gatos, received a wedding cake, champagne, dinner at the hotel’s db Bistro and a free honeymoon night’s stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, all compliments of the hotel. The bride rappelled in a wedding dress donated by Chic Parisien. 

“The success of this event was extraordinarily moving,” said Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety, managing director of Miami Children’s Initiative. “Having 90 people literally go ‘over the edge’ for Miami’s children is a testament to the power of community when solving social issues. We’re proud of all of our participants and extend our heartfelt gratitude for making this year’s Over the Edge the most successful yet.”   

“We are committed to investing in our community and are proud to be a part of Miami Children’s Initiative’s success,” said Paul Pebley, director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.  To find out more about how you can help the initiative, or to participate next year, visit:  www.miamichildrensinitiative.com or contact Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety at cgabety@miamichildrensinitiative.org