Down for the Challenge dazzles in fifth year
The Salvation Army’s 5th annual Down for the Challenge urban rappelling fundraiser with the Minnesota Vikings took place Saturday, July 26 at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, where more than 100 people descended the 14-story building to fight homelessness. (See photos from the Rooftop and Landing Zone, and watch videos on our Facebook and Instagram pages.)
NFL Hall of Famer Cris Carter helped kick off the event Friday, July 25 at a fundraising party (see photos) hosted by the Omni and attended by hundreds of people, including Vikings legends Matt Birk, Robert Smith and Stephen Weatherly. The Friday event also featured celebrity rappelling, including hometown TV star Michelle Young (pictured right) of The Bachelorette fame.
The following day, crowds of Down for the Challenge rappelers, volunteers, donors, and partners joined to create a dazzling event that supported our goal of raising $850,000 for Salvation Army housing and homelessness-prevention programs in the Twin Cities.
“I’m down with The Salvation Army,” said Carter, who often received help from The Salvation Army as a child (learn more about his story). “With Down for the Challenge, we can directly affect how people are living in the state of Minnesota.”
The Salvation Army is a leader in the battle against homelessness, operating 25 housing facilities that serve thousands of people in the Twin Cities. We also offer financial assistance and case management services that last year helped save nearly 1,400 local households from eviction.
“The Salvation Army is grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s Down for the Challenge event,” said Lt. Col. E. Randall Polsley, leader of The Salvation Army Northern Division. “Your help has changed lives.”
Editor’s note: We are $93,000 away from reaching our Down for the Challenge fundraising goal of $850,000. Donate now and your gift will be matched, up to $10,000, by Blaze Credit Union and Federal Home Loan Bank Des Moines.
