SOUTH FLORIDIANS RAPPEL

MIAMI (September 10, 2013) – In an adrenaline-rushing demonstration of their commitment to improve the lives of Miami children and families, 90 South Floridians went “Over the Edge” on Sept. 6-7, rappelling 19 stories (200 meters) down the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131. The second-annual event raised $115,000 for Miami Children’s Initiative, a nonprofit organization improving Liberty City by investing in every child. Participants included local community, civic and business leaders, elected officials, celebrities, philanthropists, and members of the general public.

The organization’s signature “Over the Edge” fundraiser, unique in South Florida, this year featured a new twist: a social media contest, “Wed Over the Edge,” to identify one lucky couple who would exchange wedding vows atop the downtown Miami hotel before rappelling. The winning couple, Rebecca Shackelford and Carlos Gatos, received a wedding cake, champagne, dinner at the hotel’s db Bistro and a free honeymoon night’s stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, all compliments of the hotel. The bride rappelled in a wedding dress donated by Chic Parisien.

“The success of this event was extraordinarily moving,” said Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety, managing director of Miami Children’s Initiative. “Having 90 people literally go ‘over the edge’ for Miami’s children is a testament to the power of community when solving social issues. We’re proud of all of our participants and extend our heartfelt gratitude for making this year’s Over the Edge the most successful yet.”

“We are committed to investing in our community and are proud to be a part of Miami Children’s Initiative’s success,” said Paul Pebley, director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

More information is available at www.miamichildrensinitiative.com or by contacting Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety at (305) 636-2227 or at cgabety@miamichildrensinitiative.org

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One Lucky Couple to Win ‘Wed Over The Edge’ Social Media Contest, Exchange Vows Before Rappelling

MIAMI (August 9, 2013) – In an adrenaline-rushing demonstration of their commitment to improve the lives of Miami children and families, hundreds of South Floridians will go “Over the Edge” on Sept. 6-7 and rappel 19 stories (200 meters) down the JW Marriott Marquis Miami at 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131. The second-annual event will raise money and awareness for Miami Children’s Initiative, a nonprofit organization improving Liberty City by intentionally investing in every child. Participants will include local community, civic and business leaders, elected officials, celebrities, philanthropists, and members of the general public.

The organization’s signature “Over the Edge” fundraiser, unique in South Florida, this year features a new twist: a social media contest, “Wed Over the Edge,” to identify one lucky couple who will exchange wedding vows atop the downtown Miami hotel before rappelling. To learn more and enter the contest, couples may visit the Miami Children’s Initiative Facebook page from now through August 24, 2013. There is no fee to enter.

“Based on the success of our first ‘Over the Edge’ event last year, we are receiving tremendous interest in this year’s event and we expect to have an even higher turnout,” said Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety, managing director of Miami Children’s Initiative. “It is inspiring to see so many South Floridians ready to literally go ‘over the edge’ for Liberty City’s children – truly a testament to the importance of our mission.”

Participation in “Over the Edge” requires creating a personal fundraising page on the organization’s website at www.otemiami.com and raising a minimum of $1,500 in donations. Participants must be at least 18 years old on the event date and not weigh more than 350 pounds. All proceeds benefit Miami Children’s Initiative.

Here’s a line-up of the event:

Following a VIP reception featuring DJ Laz at 6 p.m. Wednesday, September 4 at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, the event will begin at 12 p.m. Friday, September 6 when local politicians, celebrities, philanthropists and other community leaders will rappel.
Next, the winners of “Wed Over the Edge” will take their vows at 12:30 p.m. and then take the plunge together. After rappelling, the couple will toast their union with champagne and cake and enjoy a night’s stay at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami, all compliments of the hotel.

From 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, September 7, the other Over the Edge participants will rappel. “As part of our commitment to give back to the community and support organizations working for a greater good, we are excited to once again support Miami Children’s Initiative in bringing this exciting, impactful event to South Florida,” said Paul Pebley, director of sales and marketing at the JW Marriott Marquis Miami.

More information is available at www.miamichildrensinitiative.com or by contacting Cecilia Gutierrez-Abety at (305) 636-2227 or at cgabety@miamichildrensinitiative.org

About Miami Children’s Initiative:
Miami Children's Initiative is a 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on transforming Liberty City, one of South Florida’s most challenging and promising neighborhoods, into a more prosperous community. Like the Harlem Children’s Zone project, Miami Children’s Initiative takes a block-by-block approach to breaking the cycle of poverty by investing in the potential of every child. In partnership with Liberty City’s residents, youth, religious centers, schools, businesses and non-profit organizations, Miami Children’s Initiative provides a unified continuum of support, education and care that begins before birth and continues through college and career. More information about Miami Children’s Initiative is available at www.miamichildrensinitiative.org.

About JW Marriott Marquis Miami
The JW Marriott Marquis Miami is situated in Miami’s Metropolitan Miami development. The first-to-market JW Marriott property boasts 313 guestrooms, inclusive of 56 suites, along with a broad array of amenities, including renowned chef-restaurateur, Daniel Boulud’s db Bistro Moderne. Offering a diverse setting for business, meeting and pleasure travel pursuits, the 41-story hotel features three concierge levels; 80,000-square-feet of total function space including a 20,000 sq. ft. Grand Ballroom; and one of the most unique indoor sports, lifestyle and entertainment complexes of any hotel in the U.S. The 50,000-square-foot, two-story indoor facility includes a NBA-approved basketball arena, tennis court, Mariano Bartolome Golf School, virtual bowling alley, billiards, full-service enliven Salon & Spa and more. Owned and operated by Met 2 Hotels LLC, the JW Marriott Marquis Miami is located at 255 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL. For additional information and booking please visit www.jwmarriottmarquismiami.com.

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