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Patrick Reid (October 16, 2012) |
Editor's Note: Reid reached his $1,000 goal at 11 p.m. on October 16, following the release of this article, which guarantees his place as one of 118 to rappel down the 410-foot-tall building on October 25. Reid is now requesting that those willing to donate use their money to help others getting close to the $1,000 goal.
Rappelling off of a building may sound like a crazy idea to some, but Patrick Reid would disagree.
That’s because the Perryville native is attempting to secure a place as one of only 118 people to rappel down the side of the 410-foot-tall Lexington Financial Center on Oct. 25.
The event, called “Brave the Blue” is to raise money for the Bluegrass Council, Boy Scouts of America. However, to lock in one of those places, Reid has to be one of the first 118 to raise $1,000.
“The main purpose is a fundraiser for the Bluegrass Council,” Reid said, explaining that he wants to give back to the organization that has had a major influence in his life over the years.
Reid began in the program as a Cub Scout when he was in the second grade, later transitioning to a Boy Scout. He became an Eagle Scout in 2009 and is now an adult leader with Troop 119 in Danville.
Through his experience with the scouts, Reid says he has done some casual climbing and rappelling but nothing quite like this. There is no rappelling experience required to participate in the event.
“This is something that I would not have thought about doing, because it’s something out of the ordinary,” he said, adding that he expects it will be “something fun to do.”
Besides being an Eagle Scout, Reid is a sophomore at the University of Kentucky.
These things have qualified him for a scholarship, which enables any funds he raises for the event to be matched.
He currently has raised almost $300.
While Reid doesn’t know yet how many spots are still available, more than $77,000 has been raised. He says this means that, at the most, 77 spots are occupied, leaving him plenty of opportunity to make the cut.
“All we know is ‘spots are filling fast’,” Reid said, encouraging everyone to visit his website at bsa.kintera.org/bravetheblue/patrick_reid to donate.
“While it is a great opportunity for me to rappel down this building, the main purpose is to raise money, which goes to support a great organization, the Boy Scouts,” he said.
There are more than 55 counties in Kentucky served by the Bluegrass Council, impacting more than 11,000 young people.
SO YOU KNOW
To contribute to Patrick Reid’s fundraising efforts, visit his website at bsa.kintera.org/bravetheblue/patrick_reid.
