Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/51736
6 • JANUARY 2012 • WORLD FENCE NEWS California Chapter member goes "Over the Edge" to raise funds to benefit Special Olympics During the September quarterly meeting of the California Chapter of the American Fence Association, a challenge was made for someone to "Go Over the Edge" of a 16-story building in Long Beach as part of a signature fundraising drive for the Special Olympics, which the California Chapter has supported for many years. Accepting that challenge was chap- ter member Tracy Jakositz, sales rep- resentative for Swan Fence. Tracy Jakositz During the weeks before the Oc- tober 29 event, she and other members of the chapter donated and received pledges for some $1,710 for the Spe- cial Olympics in connection with her "Go Over the Edge" feat of daring. Because of Tracy's participation and that of many others (they call them "Edgers"), a total of over $150,000 was raised in California. The Subscribe to World Fence News Today! For subscription info, visit our web site at www.worldfencenews.com Click on the "Subscribe Now" button at the bottom of the front page. fundraiser took place in other states as well. Chapter member Terry Slattery, distribution center manager for Mas- ter-Halco, helped coordinate the event. He commented: "Tracy has a good heart. I told her that she is my hero! I know she wasn't overly anxious to do this, but she did it for the benefit of all of the Special Olympics athletes in Southern California. This is not the first thing she's done for Special Olympics. She is a referee for Special Olympics Bocce here in Southern Cal- ifornia and probably refs over 40 games a year." When asked why she would do such a thing, Tracy responded, "Life is a gift, we only live once. I never want to take that for granted. What better way to do so and for such an amazing cause? There is just no way I could not do it." World Fence News also asked Tracy a few questions about the expe- rience itself. World Fence News (WFN): Have you done any rappelling or rock climb- ing or anything remotely like this in the past? Tracy Jakositz (TJ): No, I have never done any rock climbing or rap- pelling before in my life. I am actually afraid of heights. The closest thing I have ever come to this is zip lining in Jamaica. WFN: Were you nervous? Was there any hesitation? TJ:Yes, I was extremely nervous! VISIT US AT BOOTH NO. 904! Hesitation? Well, there was a slight hesitation when I was asked if I would do it, but I just figured what the heck, you only live once right? And the only That spec ac is T r "Go Over the Edg Special Ol nia. Her f ositz, y Jak ympics in Southern Calif e" k on the side of the b who v benefit Special Ol eat of daring raised $1,710 to (Calif to raise funds f o lunteered to u o - o r ilding r ornia Chapter photos) ympics athletes. contin ued on pa g e 12