ABC 6 Katie McKee rappels down Chase Tower to help victims of child sex trafficking
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — More than 100 people rappelled their way down the Chase Tower in downtown Columbus Friday.
All of them going “Over the Edge” for a very important cause.
This is the seventh year people have taken their passion to end child sex trafficking more than 300 feet in the air.
The company SkyClimber has sponsored this event from the beginning.
MORE | Gracehaven hosts Over The Edge fundraiser to help end child sex trafficking
"It's kind of a mixed feeling right one moment you feel happy because yea we're raising all this money but what a terrible situation that these girls are in but if it helps them bring them out and give them a new life it's a wonderful event I'm were proud," said George Anassis, Founder of SkyClimber.
We watched as Jill Cullinan worked her way down from the top of the building, her reasoning a little bit more personal.
Jill's sister is a survivor of trafficking.
"When she was 17 she was taken and it took us about three years to be able to find her and get her back. Programs like this are very beneficial because I don’t think if it was for programs like this my sister would be where she is," said Jill Cullinan.
Jill said before her sister was taken she had no idea child sex trafficking was as big of an issue as it is- and also says the aftermath is devastating.
"First off it’s heart-wrenching because when they finally come back home you can tell us a completely different person it was almost like there was nobody there inside it’s like she had to shut down to hopefully make it through every day," said Cullinan.
Gracehaven is a local non-profit that works with those victims and helps them survive that devastating aftermath.
They are one of the only facilities in the state to provide services and housing to young people ages 11 through 19, not only here in Central Ohio but throughout the state.
"There’s a lot of counseling and support that needs to be brought in - oftentimes they have been out of school for 2 to 3 years we get them caught up on school. Basically, we begin to rebuild their lives," said Executive Director of Gracehaven Scott Arnold.
Gracehaven also provides education to the community. This was another reason Jill decided to get involved.
"Educating people on how it happens where it happens and how you can help I think it’s very important," said Jill.
To earn a spot on the ropes you had to raise at least $1,250.
Jill raised $4,800 and the company she works for, ABM, matched every dollar.
