February 5, 2018

How far would you go to help one of your favorite charities? Anne Lazzerini, analyst II, FEU Business Services Policy and Control, went approximately 147 feet . . . down.

Last month, Anne rappelled down the side of the 13-story historic Onesto Building in Canton, Ohio, as part of the Over the Edge fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties. Over the Edge partners with nonprofit organizations to help create unique fundraising opportunities. Anne raised more than $1,720, making her the third-highest fundraiser.

“I wanted to help support Big Brothers Big Sisters because of the great work the organization does to help at-risk children in our communities. I also wanted to support a good friend who is a board member,” said Anne. “I’m a thrill-seeker and this was a challenge I wanted to experience.”

To prepare for the descent, Anne studied the heights of buildings in downtown Akron to get a sense of a 13-story building. She also watched online rappelling videos, and on the day of the event, received a 30-minute training course. Anne admitted that the experience was much scarier than she expected.

“I had a great team of professionals who helped me train and work up the courage to step over the ledge to get started. I did lose my footing at one point and slammed into the building a few times,” she said, appreciating her professional fall-protection gear. “However, I would do it again.”

Anne said she could not have accomplished this feat without the support and generosity of her family, friends and coworkers.

“I knew that no matter how scared I was on top of that building, I would still go over the edge so I wouldn’t let anyone down.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters aims to provide children facing adversity with strong and enduring, professionally supported, one-to-one relationships that change their lives for the better, forever. The organization was established more than 100 years ago nationally and 45 years ago locally.