Rappellers Conquer Portland’s One City Center

Media Day for Rappel for Rippleffect on Friday featured a few brave souls who ascended the 180-foot One City Center building on Monument Square and proceeded to descend 13 stories to a cheering crowd below.

Leading the way were Bill Caron, president of MaineHealth, and Chriis Simmons, president of Gorham Savings Bank. They rappelled just after 4 p.m. at the same pace that Batman and Robin would slowly navigate skyscrapers in Gotham City.

Scott Leighton, manager of the Rippleffect Outdoor Leadership Education program in Portland, said eight more people were expected to rappel on Friday and as many as 80 more people were scheduled to rappel on Saturday, weather permitting. He said Friday marked the first time that his group ever used One City Center for their rappelling fund-raiser and they chose the building because it has the best qualities to support this sport.

The money that is raised will be used to help Maine youth experience fun, outdoor adventures at places like Cow Island in Casco Bay as a way to build their self-esteem and self-confidence.

If you were among the dozens of people who successfully rappelled down One City Center on Friday evening and Saturday or in the crowd taking in all the action below we would love it if you shared your comments, photos and videos here on our web site and on our Facebook and Twitter pages with the hashtag #RappelRippleffect.