Three people already have registered for the event, which costs $50 until Aug. 1 and goes toward the $1,000 minimum pledge. All early registrants combined already have raised almost $1,000, Hummel said.

“By helping children who are at risk and preparing them with their education and workforce skills, we’re helping with our economy by potentially reducing costs on social services and incarceration,” Hummel said. “Our children are our future, and to break the cycle of poverty and different cycles we see in the social world, a great place to start is with the children.”

More than 10 percent of Waco Independent School District’s high school students scheduled to graduate with the class of 2012 dropped out of school, according to the Texas Education Agency’s Academic Excellence Indicator System. That figure does not include those who received a GED instead of a diploma.

If the event is finalized, no climbing or rappelling experience would be necessary to register. Anyone ages 18 and older who weighs between 100 and 300 pounds can register.

Only 96 people can rappel, but if enough sign up soon, Hummel said, the nonprofit group could order another rope, allowing for 50 more people.