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Over $150K raised at United Way’s Rappel for a Reason fundraiser

Houstonians took the plunge, rappelling down a 26-story building to raise money for United Way’s work supporting families in need. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

Fearless supporters of United Way of Greater Houston rappelled down the 26-story DoubleTree Hotel in the Galleria on Friday, raising funds for programs to help struggling families.

Houstonians took the plunge, rappelling down a 26-story building to raise money for United Way’s work supporting families in need. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

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Each participant raised at least $1,500 to participate in Rappel for a Reason. Among the high-flying 80 rappelers were Houston Texans mascot TORO, United Way President and CEO Amanda McMillian, Enbridge executive Cynthia Hansen, and business leaders like Amegy Bank’s Steve Stephens.

Houstonians took the plunge, rappelling down a 26-story building to raise money for United Way’s work supporting families in need. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

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The excitement wasn’t just on the ropes—there was also a lively “on the ground” celebration with food, music, and plenty of cheers for those making the descent. While some may have preferred to stay grounded, the support for those rappelling was palpable as the crowd rallied around them.

Houstonians took the plunge, rappelling down a 26-story building to raise money for United Way’s work supporting families in need. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

The idea for Rappel for a Reason may have seemed unconventional at first. “A community volunteer sent us an email and said, ‘How about we jump off a building?’” McMillian recalls with a smile.

What started as a bold suggestion quickly turned into a beloved annual tradition, now in its third year, and raised over $150,000 this time around—surpassing its original goal.

Houstonians took the plunge, rappelling down a 26-story building to raise money for United Way’s work supporting families in need. (Copyright 2024 by KPRC Click2Houston - All rights reserved.)

For McMillian, the impact of the event is clear. “We are here to help our neighbors reach and stay on the path to financial stability,” she said.


About the Author
Jyesha Johnson headshot

Jyesha Johnson, a Mississippi Delta girl who swapped small-town newsrooms for big-city screens at Houston’s KPRC 2, is all about telling stories—whether it’s on the web, social media, or over a good meal. When she’s not crafting content, you’ll find her outside soaking up nature or hunting down the best food spots.

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