Baltimore, MD - Michael Gerlach of Catonsville begins a 25 story decent down the side of 100 N. Charles Street on Friday June 14, 2019 during the 10th Annual Rappel for Kidney Health event. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680. This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.

Michael Gerlach of Catonsville begins a 25 story decent down the side of 100 N. Charles Street. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of Insight on Disability radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680.

National News 

Rappelling event raises money, awareness for kidney health

Baltimore Post-Examiner Staff

Michael Gerlach of Catonsville begins a 25 story decent down the side of 100 N. Charles Street. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of Insight on Disability on WCBM talk radio AM 680.

BALTIMORE — Taking full advantage of the clear blue skies over Baltimore this weekend, adventure seekers and kidney patients, as well as their friends, relatives and coworkers geared up and crossed their fingers to participate in Rappel for Kidney Health.

Ten people had the first opportunity to descend the 25-story skyscraper at One Charles Center — replete with breathtaking views of the city skyline and the Inner Harbor. Sponsored by The National Kidney Foundation Serving Maryland and Delaware, the exclusive rappel event occurs annually in the Baltimore metropolitan area.

Rappel for Kidney Health is celebrating its 10th year.

Everyone up for the challenge was required to raise a minimum of $1,500 minimum to participate in the event. Once the money was raised, they underwent Rappel training, and received an event T-shirt and commemorative photo of their Rappel.

Up to 100 people were allowed to go “over the edge” of the daunting downtown Baltimore skyscraper.

Earth-bound spectators cheered the hearty souls on from the relative safety of the landing zone area filled with entertainment, games and fun. Anyone “too chicken” to rappel, could lend their support by making a donation to fund NKFMDDE’s Patient Emergency Assistance Program or to fund a kidney patient’s rappel at www.kidneymd.org.

Event logistics were organized by Over the Edge, a special events company that provides signature rappel events for non-profit organizations in North America.

Through the years, Rappel for Kidney Health events have attracted more than 600 participants and raising over $750,000 to help NKFMDDE expand its patient services, education and research efforts. This year, the Foundation hopes to raise over $130,000. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) is the largest, most comprehensive and longstanding organization dedicated to the awareness, prevention and treatment of kidney disease.

For more information, visit www.kidney.org.

Please enjoy the following photo roundup of Rappel for Kidney Health by staff photographer Michael Jordan

Baltimore, MD - On top of 100 N. Charles Street the experts from Over The Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, prepare Michael Gerlach of Catonsville for his 25 story decent on Friday June 14, 2019. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680.This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.

Baltimore, MD - Todd Medeiros of Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Columbus Pollard of Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, supervises as a participant depends the 25-story building at 100 N. Charles Street on Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - High angle rigging for the Rappel for Kidney Health event on top of 100 N. Charles Street.

Baltimore, MD - Todd Medeiros from Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Todd Medeiros and Marc Tiritilli from Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Marc Tiritilli from Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Todd Medeiros from Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Columbus Pollard from Over the Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, works on high angle rigging on top of 100 N. Charles Street Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - On top of 100 N. Charles Street the experts from Over The Edge, a fundraising group specializing in high angle rigging, prepare Michael Gerlach of Catonsville for his 25 story decent on Friday June 14, 2019. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680.This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.

Baltimore, MD - Michael Gerlach of Catonsville begins a 25 story decent down the side of 100 N. Charles Street on Friday June 14, 2019 during the 10th Annual Rappel for Kidney Health event. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680. This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.

Baltimore, MD - Joanne, A event volunteer, prepares to descend the 25-story building along side Michael Gerlach of Catonsville on Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - Michael Gerlach of Catonsville begins a 25 story decent down the side of 100 N. Charles Street on Friday June 14, 2019 during the 10th Annual Rappel for Kidney Health event. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680. This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.

Baltimore, MD - As participants descend the 25-Story building at 100 N. Charles Street a festival takes place in the plaza below.

Baltimore, MD - Joi Carter Music perform at the festival in the plaza of 100 N. Charles Street during the Rappelling for Kidney Health event on Friday June 14, 2019.

Baltimore, MD - In the lobby of 100 N. Charles Street event goers review photos of the past Rappelling for Kidney Health events.

Baltimore, MD - Michael Gerlach of Catonsville stands victorious after descending the 25-story at 100 N. Charles Street. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ÒInsight on DisabilityÓ radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680. This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event.
Michael Gerlach of Catonsville stands victorious after descending the 25-story at 100 N. Charles Street. This is his fifth year going over the edge for the Rappel for Kidney Health event. Gerlach is Executive Producer and Host of ‘Insight on Disability’ a weekly radio show on WCBM talk radio AM 680. (credit Michael Jordan/BPE)