Food Allergy Research & Education Launches “Over the Edge” Event to Reach New Heights in Funding for Food Allergy Programs

McLean, VA (PRWEB) October 15, 2013

Rappelling -- it’s not just for rescue workers, thrill seekers and reality television contestants. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is offering gutsy Washington, D.C. metro area residents a high-rise adventure by launching its first Over the Edge fundraising event next month.

Participants, known as Edgers, will experience an exhilarating thrill as they rappel 15 stories from the roof of the Westin Arlington Gateway in northern Virginia on Nov. 16. Each Edger will have raised at least $1,250 for critical food allergy research, education, advocacy and awareness programs to help ensure the safety and inclusion of the 15 million people in the U.S. with food allergies.

Anyone 18 years or older can sign up to go Over the Edge for FARE – whether you are personally affected by food allergies, or simply want an exciting and unique weekend activity. For Vienna resident Natasha Perkins, her motivation to go Over the Edge is her 8-year-old daughter Zoe.

“She is one of 15 million people that face an extreme fear when it comes to a necessity like eating,” Perkins said. “Having food allergies has been a daily challenge for Zoe. This is my chance to challenge myself and help with research, education and advocacy efforts to find a cure for food allergies.”

Perkins set a personal goal of raising $10,000 and surpassed the $1,250 minimum to go Over the Edge within three days of registering.

Food allergy is a potentially life-threatening disease for which there is no cure. Earlier this year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that the prevalence of food allergy among children has risen by 50 percent since the late 1990s – a staggering increase.

“Studies have documented the emerging epidemic of food allergies in the U.S. Now more than ever, we need educational resources that will help keep people with food allergies safe and we need to invest more funds to find treatments that will prevent life-threatening anaphylactic reactions,” said John L. Lehr, CEO of FARE. “We look forward to supporting everyone who is bravely going Over the Edge – 15 floors in recognition of the 15 million people in the U.S. with food allergies.”

Over The Edge is FARE’s fundraiser with an edge – an unconventional adventure that takes fundraisers to the rooftop of a high-rise building and guides them down the side of the building. No elevator, no stairs – the route back down in an Over the Edge event is via rappel under the direction of Over the Edge professionals who have set up the event to meet rigorous safety standards. Over the Edge joins FARE’s Walk for Food Allergy events, galas, luncheons and other events across the country that help raise vital funds to help support national initiatives to improve the lives of individuals and families managing food allergies.

The presenting partner of Over the Edge in DC Metro is Ballston Business Improvement District (Ballston BID). FARE has also partnered with the Westin Arlington Gateway for the event, and will be hosting a Media/VIP day on Nov. 15, 2013.

FARE is also hosting Over the Edge events in Atlanta on Nov. 23, Tampa on Dec. 7 and Houston on Dec. 14.

For more information or to sign up to go Over the Edge for FARE, visit http://www.overtheedgefare.org/dcmetro

ABOUT FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue and investing in world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies. For more information, please visit http://www.foodallergy.org

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