Although we all come from different backgrounds, as skydivers we have experienced first hand the incredible effect our sport can have to change lives for the better. This month, we will team up with Operation Freefall to help others realize that effect, and reclaim their lives, as well as give something back to our community.
On April 25, 2009, we will 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. We’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.
By participating in Operation Freefall, we are raising funds for Speaking Out About Rape (SOAR) and the Rape, and Abuse & Incest National Network (RAINN) 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.
The Furies are aiming to to raise $1000 before April 15th, and we need your help. Would you consider making a tax-deductible pledge to help us meet our goal? We’ll be skydiving from at least 10,500 feet, and we are aiming to make 10 jumps that day. In other words, we’ll be falling more than 100,000 feet, (and approximately 20 miles) that day! How much will you pledge for each 1,000 feet?
- 1/8 cent per 1,000 feet: $13.13
- 1/4-cent per 1,000 feet: $26.25
- 1/2-cent per 1,000 feet: $ 52.5
- A penny per 1,000 feet: $105.00
- Two cents per 1,000 feet: $210.00
- A nickel per 1,000 feet: $525
- A dime per 1,000 feet: $1,050
- A quarter per 1,000 feet: $2,625
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, and that is why we’ve committed to this event. We hope you'll share in this incredible adventure by supporting our fundraising efforts. Of course, if you want to jump, too, let us know—you can also participate as a first-time tandem jumper!
Check out www.operationfreefall.com for more information. Thank you in advance for your generosity and support.
Blue Skies,
SDC Furies XP