In my capacity as a Las Vegas performer, I am fortunate to get some pretty amazing opportunities. I emcee huge corporate events and conventions, I get to entertain kids and families from around the world, and I get to do a lot of meaningful work on behalf of charities, including, most recently, Special Olympics Nevada.
In this case, it was even more fun because I got to rappel off the top of Planet Hollywood, a completely wild, unforgettable way to help a worthy cause.
“Over the Edge” to benefit Special Olympics Nevada is an annual event, and I was privileged to take part in last year’s event, also at Planet Hollywood.
Of course, I had to raise the stakes this year, so I decided to rappel on my trusty unicycle, which provided some interesting challenges. Ultimately, they had to tape the pedals to my feet, or the other way around. That way, I got to pedal all the way down!
Originally, I wanted to build a custom unicycle and actually wheel down the side of the building, but running my tire down the entire building wasn’t in the cards. Still, I was the first one in “Over the Edge” history to do this drop on a unicycle.
I was cool as a cucumber the entire time, of course, and that’s the story I’m sticking to. Hey, it’s 350 feet down!
It was absolutely terrifying, in the best possible way.
Thankfully, the whole ordeal-slash-adventure paid off for Special Olympics Nevada. My fans helped me raise more than $1,800, and the event raised more than $70,00 overall. Every dollar raised stays right in Nevada.
An added perk was getting to appear on channel 13 in Las Vegas, on “The Morning Blend,” to help promote the event. I also appeared on channel 8 news, at 5:20 a.m. That’s dedication to a cause, folks!
I feel so grateful for where life has taken me, meeting such incredible people (like athletes and staffers from Special Olympics Nevada) and taking on crazy, rewarding challenges like rappelling off the world famous Planet Hollywood, all the way down Britney Spears’ face, no less.
Photos by Scott Roeben, VitalVegas.com. Video courtesy of my GoPro helmet cam…
Find out more about Special Olympics Nevada, and enjoy more photos from the “Over the Edge” event.
