Cris Carter returns to support 'Down for the Challenge' urban rappelling event and fundraiser
Legendary Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Cris Carter is back for the second year in a row to support The Salvation Army’s Down for the Challenge urban rappelling event and fundraiser.
The Hall of Famer announced the fourth-annual event during a press conference (see photos) at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel in Eagan, where rappelers will descend 14 stories on Saturday, July 27 to raise money for local Salvation Army programs that fight homelessness.
“It is my duty to bring (Down for the Challenge) to people’s attention,” Carter said during his press conference speech outside the hotel.
Carter is passionate about the cause because The Salvation Army helped his family while he was growing up in southwest Ohio. His mother raised him and his six siblings by herself and struggled often.
“As youngsters, The Salvation Army fed and clothed us,” Carter recalled. “With Down for the Challenge, we can directly affect how people are living in the state of Minnesota.”
Carter’s family went on to do great things: Four of his siblings graduated from college; his mother completed undergraduate and master’s degrees; and his brother, Butch Carter, played seven seasons in the National Basketball Association.
“The Salvation Army helped my family reach their full potential,” added Carter, who was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 2013. “If you’re down with Cris Carter and down with the Vikings, be down with The Salvation Army.”
Down for the Challenge raises money to support local Salvation Army housing and homeless-prevention programs, including 34 housing and shelter facilities that together serve an average of 900 men, women and children every night. (Read success story.)
In addition, The Salvation Army prevents homelessness by providing case management services, assistance with rent and utility bills, and other resources that last year helped nearly 3,700 people and families prevent an eviction or shut-off.
Currently, about 63,000 Minnesota households are behind on their rent, while more than 10,000 people are experiencing homelessness throughout the state.
“Down for the Challenge helps fund direct services for people who are on the streets or in danger of losing their homes,” said Lt. Colonel E. Randall Polsley, Salvation Army Northern Division Commander. “This event is critically important in the fight against homelessness. We are calling on the support of our community members who want to make a difference and have a great time doing it.”
Are you Down for the Challenge? You can support The Salvation Army’s efforts to fight homelessness by giving a donation or signing up for our Down for the Challenge urban rappelling event with the Minnesota Vikings. This adrenaline-pumping event takes place Saturday, July 27 at the Omni Viking Lakes Hotel during Vikings training camp.