On April 28, 2012, I'll be participating in the nation's boldest, highest-altitude, and most daring effort to put an end to sexual assault. It's called Operation Freefall: The Two-Mile High Stand Against Sexual Assault. I'll be joining thousands of people at skydive centers across the country who will take to the sky and jump, to raise awareness and money for sexual assault. Proceeds from this skydive will go directly to Sexual Assault Services of the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay!!!!

Last year Team Crisis Center raised over $5,000.00 for survivors which went directly to the Crisis Center! 

I know you are saying, "You're not a skydiver!" You're right, but I don't need to be. I'll be making a tandem skydive with a United States Parachute Association licensed tandem master. If you don't believe I can do this, I'll show you the video I'll receive as a souvenir of my jump and statement. This is my 7th jump (if I remember correctly) for raising awareness and supporting survivors of sexual assault. Every time I participate in this event it is amazing and incredible. 

By participating in Operation Freefall, I'll be raising funds for Speaking Out About Rape (SOAR) and the Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) and [insert Local Host] to help: " Maintain and expand the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1.800.656.HOPE and the National Sexual Assault Online Hotline (operated by RAINN) to ensure access to free, confidential counseling to victims of sexual assault, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. " Extend efforts to provide prevention, recovery, and prosecution information to tens of millions of people, across the country and in your community, each year. " Expand SOAR's programs to educate lawmakers, police officers, students and the media about sexual assault. I've agreed to raise $1,000.00 before April 1st, and I need your help.

Would you consider making a tax-deductible pledge to help me meet my goal and support survivors of sexual assault?

I'll be skydiving from at least 10,500 feet. How much will you pledge for each foot jumped: *1/4-cent per foot: $26.40 *A nickel per foot: $528 *1/2-cent per foot: $52.80 *A dime per foot: $1,056 *A penny per foot: $105.60 *A quarter per foot: $2,640 *Two cents per foot: $211.20 *A dollar per foot: $10,560 The FBI categorizes rape as the second most violent crime a person can experience, second only to murder.

To put it another way, it's the most violent and traumatic crime any victim lives to remember. Every two minutes, another American is sexually assaulted. It is the most under-reported of all crimes in the United States. The effects of sexual violence affect all of us. That is why I've committed myself to this event. I hope you'll share in this incredible adventure by supporting me in my fundraising efforts.

Of course, if you want to jump, too, let me know and I'll get you registration materials. Join Team Crisis Center and a portion of what you raise will go directly to Sexual Assault Services at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay! The Crisis Center provides essential support services to all survivors of sexual violence seeking assistance. Services include: forensics, advocacy, counseling, 24/7 support, empowerment services, case management and finacial assistance.

You can also check out www.operationfreefall.com. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support. Your support means the world to me and will help so many.

Blue Skies, Marilyn