Going to New Heights
As Anna Albritton slowly rappelled down from the roof of Arrowhead Stadium’s Press Box, her eyes met with that of her awaiting friends and family below. Despite her distance, the crowd cheered when she proudly declared, “It’s awesome!”
On June 1st and 2nd, The Salvation Army headed to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium for their Down for the Challenge Event. The morning of Thursday, June 1st, the stadium’s North Club was packed with 43 filled tables for a Civic Breakfast. Companies and donors located throughout the metro area gathered to support their community and enjoy some delicious food.
On Friday, June 2nd, those who raised $1,000 received the opportunity to rappel down the side of the stadium. Sixty-six brave donors proudly took the trip down.
Deputy Chief Joseph Mabin of the Kansas City Missouri Police Department— who often partners with The Salvation Army— was the first to rappel that morning, gliding down the rope with ease.
“It’s important to take care of the underserved members of our community,” said Deputy Chief Mabin. “I think that working together with organizations such as The Salvation Army, we can help reduce houselessness and give people the stable housing they need.”
Deputy Chief of the Investigations Bureau of KC, Luis Ortiz, holds his community close to his heart, always looking for opportunities to help his neighbors. Naturally, he was there to rappel that warm day.
“We can all put ourselves in those shoes and understand that people go through different crises in their lives, and we don’t know exactly how difficult it is until you’re in those positions,” said Deputy Chief Ortiz. “It’s up to the community that is doing better to look out for those that can’t look out for themselves.”
All proceeds from the two-day event went towards The Salvation Army’s houselessness programs. Rising costs in recent years have left nearly 20,000 men, women, and children in Kansas City houseless or nearing eviction. Everyone who came together for Down for the Challenge raised nearly $300,000 to date to help them Love Beyond Houselessness.
