Dallas Police Chief David Brown Named Honorary Chairman of Over the Edge Fundraiser for Special Olympics Texas

Adventure seekers to go Over the Edge of the Oak Cliff Tower to support Dallas-area Special Olympics athletes; Registration for rappelling down the 15-story building on Nov. 5 is now open.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE : August 25, 2016

DALLAS – Dallas Police Chief David Brown will serve as the Honorary Chairman for Special Olympics Texas’ (SOTX) upcoming Over the Edge (OTE) fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the Oak Cliff Tower in downtown Dallas. SOTX officially made the announcement on Thursday. Registration to rappel down the 15-story building is now open and can be completed online. Slots are limited. 

“The Dallas Police Department is a long-time supporter of our organization and we are very pleased that Chief Brown will be our Honorary Chairman for the 2016 Over the Edge in Dallas,” Doug Ray, SOTX statewide Law Enforcement Torch Run director, said. “Chief Brown has been a national leader in law enforcement conversation and strategy, and we are very fortunate to have him join our Over the Edge effort in a leadership role.” 

Brown is the state Co-Director for the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR), a grassroots fundraiser that raises more than $1 million annually for SOTX athletes. The 2016 Over the Edge event will be the second time – and first since 2014 –that Chief Brown has served as the Honorary Chairman for the fundraiser. 

OTE,  which is now in its seventh year supporting SOTX athletes in Dallas, provides an opportunity for thrill-seekers and people looking to conquer their fears to rappel down the 15-story Oak Cliff Tower in downtown Dallas, as a way to raise awareness and funds for more than 6,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities in the Greater Dallas area. 

Rappels are scheduled between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and slots are limited. No previous rappelling experience is required. Participants should be 18 years or older by the day of the event, and weigh between 110 to 300 lbs. 

OTE involves participants raising a minimum of $1,200 to rappel in front of an awe-struck crowd of supporters. OTE is also being held in downtown Houston this year at the 20-story Embassy Suites Hotel in on Oct. 15, allowing thrill-seekers to take on the Dual-City Challenge. Incentives are offered to those who raise more than the minimum amount required to rappel. (See below for details.) 

Companies, organizations, schools and agencies are encouraged to “send the boss, police chief, principal or coach” Over the Edge by raising funds from employees or members. 

Corporate sponsorships are available.  For more information, contact Doug Ray (dray@sotx.org) at 214.943.9981 or Kristie Crone (kcrone@sotx.org) at 214.943.9981. 

Incentives 

•  $2,200+ Dual-City Rappeller - Everything below plus one night stay in the city of your choice
• $1,800+ Superhero Rappeller - Everything below plus Go Pro video footage
• $1,500+ Elite Rappeller - Everything below plus commemorative jacket
• $1,200+ Champion Rappeller - 2 invitations to the V.I.P. Reception (day before the event), OTE commemorative long sleeve T-shirt, duffel bag and photo of your rappel available for download after the event. 

About the Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR)
The Law Enforcement Torch Run (LETR) is Special Olympics' largest grass-roots fundraiser and public awareness vehicle.  In Texas, the Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1985 and had grown to become one of the largest in the nation.  In the last decade, Torch Run has contributed over $12 million through the dedication of thousands of law enforcement personnel fundraising on behalf of SOTX.  The support provided by this dedicated group has contributed greatly to programs in local communities, which involve more than 55,200 athletes with intellectual disabilities throughout the state. 

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 55,200 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas. Visit the SOTX-Greater Dallas Area Facebook page at fb.com/SOTX10.

Statewide Presenting Sponsors:

Dallas Area Presenting Sponsors:

MEDIA CONTACT:
Doug Ray – Senior Development Director – Statewide/LETR, Special Olympics Texas
214.943.9981 ext. 27 (office); 214.546.9432 (cell – media only); dray@sotx.org 

Steve Helm – Public Relations Coordinator, Special Olympics Texas
800.876.5646, ext. 2925 (office); 267.421.3911 (cell – media only); shelm@sotx.org

About Special Olympics Texas
Special Olympics Texas (SOTX) is a privately funded non-profit organization that changes lives through the power of sport by encouraging and empowering people with intellectual disabilities, promoting acceptance for all, and fostering communities of understanding and respect.  SOTX provides continuing opportunities for more than 58,800 children and adults with intellectual disabilities throughout the Lone Star State to realize their potential, develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage and experience joy and friendship.  To learn more, visit www.specialolympicstexas.org or call 800.876.5646.  Engage with us on: Twitter @SOTexas; fb.com/SpecialOlympicsTX; youtube.com/specialolympicstexas.