HUNTSVILLE, Alabama -- Eighty brave souls will get a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to rappel down the side of the historic Times Building in downtown Huntsville this summer.

Heart of the Valley YMCA is organizing the June 14-15 "Over the Edge for the Y" fundraiser to help offset the cost of providing free gym memberships to laid-off workers and soldiers, subsidized child care for single parents and other programs.

The unique event will allow people to shimmy down the north side of the 150-foot-tall Times Building with the assistance of a professional ropes team.

Visit yohsv.com to reserve a spot.

Participants will be asked to raise a minimum of $1,500 to benefit YMCA programs. Along with a major sense of accomplishment, they'll take home a souvenir photo from Dennis Keim Studio.

During a Friday news conference on the 12th floor of the Times Building, YMCA Director of Strategic Initiatives Brenda Hennessee said she hopes Over the Edge appeals to the Rocket City's "cutting-edge nature and sense of adventure."

"This separates the Y, I think, from other fundraisers in town," added former YMCA board chairman David Mathis.

Certified ropes professionals will be in charge of keeping participants safe. According to the YMCA, the group has overseen more than 100 similar events over the past eight years with no injuries.

"This is a very safe event with highly-skilled technicians," said Hennessee.

Randy Schrimsher, who owns the Times Building, said Over the Edge promises to be one of the more memorable events at the 84-year-old downtown landmark.

Opened in December 1928, the building on Green Street was home to the old Huntsville Daily Times newspaper. During construction, editor and publisher J. Emory Pierce had a 12th floor added so the building would be taller than the Russel Erskine Hotel on Clinton Avenue.

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