Special Olympics benefits from rappelling

October 30, 2011 at 5:51 a.m. | Updated October 30, 2011 at 5:51 a.m.

Melissa Slantisky of Springfield, Mo., begins to make her way down from the 14th floor of the Jefferson State Office Building in Jefferson City during the "Over The Edge" fundraiser for the Missouri Special Olympics. The group expected to raise about $50,000.
Melissa Slantisky of Springfield, Mo., begins to make her way down from the 14th floor of the Jefferson State Office Building in Jefferson City during the "Over The Edge" fundraiser for the Missouri Special Olympics. The group expected to raise about $50,000.

When Jill Linnenbrink, Julia Gampher and Justin Reynolds glanced over their shoulders as they rappelled 13 stories down the Jefferson Building in Jefferson City, they saw a sea of green.

The announcer proclaimed, "Blair Oaks has taken over."

The three, all educators for Blair Oaks School District, were just some of the 52 people who went "Over the Edge" for Special Olympics Missouri on Saturday.

After she finished the rappel, Gampher said, with a smile. "It was great - a blast, I had so much fun."

Steve Buckner was greeted with applause and cheers as he began his rappel. While rappelling makes for an interesting day, Buckner's adventure for the day had just begun. He also got married at 3 p.m. Saturday.

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