RIVERSIDE, Calif. – Members of Altura Credit Union’s management team, including CEO Mark Hawkins, recently went above and beyond (literally) to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity veteran services by rappelling down the tallest building in Riverside, Calif.
In addition to raising $3,800 through online pledges, Altura donated $3,000 to the “Over the Edge” challenge sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Riverside for a total of $6,800. The event was promoted as an opportunity to “Toss Your Boss Over the Edge.” Altura was among the top fundraisers for the event, which required a minimum of $1,000 in pledges to go “over the edge.”
A video fundraising appeal on Altura’s website featured Hawkins and the other daredevils, Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Binkley, SVP and Chief Lending Officer Suzie Kisslan, and Project Manager Stephanie Redmond.
The Altura team and dozens of others rappelled down the side of 16-story Mt. Rubidoux Manor in downtown Riverside. Three experienced climbers assisted the amateurs who were outfitted with full-body safety harnesses, climbing helmets, radios and rappelling gear. Once on the roof, they were anchored to structural steel pillars before stepping over the edge and rappelling down the face of the building.
“I’ve never done anything like this before,” Hawkins said. “I’m happy to be supporting Habitat for Humanity. It’s such a worthy organization, and this time it’s for the veterans.”
Jennifer Binkley, Chief Operating Officer, who readily admits she hates heights agreed to do it because, “I knew family members and others would be willing to give money to see me do it and it’s a very worthwhile cause. It had to be for me to even consider doing it.”
Nearly $50,000 was raised to help build 26 energy efficient houses for veterans and to modify veterans’ existing homes for safety and wheelchair accessibility.
Above, right, members of Altura Credit Union’s management team recently rappelled down the side of a 16-story building in the “Over the Edge” fundraiser for Habitat for Humanity Riverside and its veteran’s services. The daredevils included, from left, Project Manager Stephanie Redmond, Chief Operating Officer Jennifer Binkley and CEO Mark Hawkins.