Area Residents Prepare to Rappel 21 Stories for Scouts

On May 18th area residents will have the opportunity to rappel down the side of the First Federal Plaza Building in downtown Rochester as part of the Seneca Waterways Council, Boy Scouts of America’s 3rd Annual 21 Stories for Scouts fundraising event.  Monies raised go to support more than 15,000 youth the Council serves throughout its five-county service area including services to nearly 2,000 at-risk youth through:

• Urban scouting programs
• 40 afterschool programs run in Rochester schools
• Providing financial assistance for low-income families to be able to send their young Scout to summer camp

Council officials stated that to date, 47 individuals have made the commitment to rappel with several more backing them with support, bringing total pledges and sponsorships to more than $51,000.  They added that the goal is 90 rappellers. There are several ways for individuals to participate in this event. Individuals or teams can rappel.” For those who wish to keep their feet firmly on the ground, they can put their support behind a rappeller or “Toss Their Boss.” For a donation of $1,000 or more, or $1,500 for teams, either as a single contribution or in total pledges collected, individuals can make the rappel down 309 feet. Agency officials stated that anyone over the age of 14 who raises the money can rappel.

“We want people to be able to experience Scouting… the thrill, the excitement, and most of all the satisfaction that comes from personal achievements,” said Stephen T. Hoitt, Seneca Waterways Council’s Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer. “By rappelling down 21 stories, they are doing something extraordinary and helping young boys, and young men and women, be able to do something extraordinary in their lives too.”

21 Stories for Scouts is one of the most unique and exciting fundraising events in the Rochester area. Contributions will offer urban youth who desperately want and need Scouting the opportunity to participate fully in Scouting programs such as attending the Council’s three summer camps. Scouting provides these at-risk youth the benefit of positive adult role models and mentors to help them develop the skills to be successful in school and life.

Council representatives noted generosity and commitment of several area businesses who have pledged their support of 21 Stories for Scouts.

Corporate Sponsors:

• Excellus BC/BS
• Merrill Lynch Wealth Management – Bank of America Corporation
• U.S. Trust – Bank of America Private Wealth Management
• First Federal Plaza
• Bergmann Associates
• Power Management
• McCormack Productions
• Speedpro Imaging
• Big City Sportswear & Graphics
• Precise Tool & Manufacturing
• Advantech Industries