FORT SMITH (KFSM) -- People in the River Valley are taking cancer fundraising to new heights this weekend. Folks will be going "Over the Edge" of First National Bank on Garrison Avenue. The eight-story bank was built in 1911, and over 80 people from the community will be rappelling down the face of the Fort Smith landmark.
This is to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Survivors' Challenge. The adrenaline junkies will have the Fort Smith Fire Department holding ropes for them as they look down over 100 feet to Garrison Avenue.
Organizers asked each person to raise $1,000 to participate. However if you would rather run or walk for the Survivors' Challenge, you can do that too.
The money raised from the Survivors' Challenge events will go straight to the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House to help those who are battling for their lives. "This facility has been in the community for 38 years and there's still so many people that don't know we are here or what we do," said Executive Director Susan Steffens.
Organizers are in hopes of raising $90,000 through this event. With the money, they'll be able to help more people in need. According to Steffens, "If someone comes in that needs assistance we won't have to turn them away." She adds, "It will get us through months that we won't have to worry about."
Arkansas politicians, city leaders and 5NEWS Chief Meteorologist Garrett Lewis will be rappelling on Friday (Oct. 14). Then everyone else will rappel on Saturday (Oct. 15).
The Survivors' Challenge kicks off on Saturday starting at 8 a.m. at the Reynolds Cancer Support House.
Garrison Avenue won't be closed on Friday, however police are closing the road on Saturday between 6th and 8th streets in front of the bank.