As the second-annual City Skyline Challenge quickly approaches, Outward Bound California has been keeping in touch with their rappellers, offering motivation and helping them reach their fundraising goals along the way. Maren Anderson, a high school teacher and returning participant, took the time to answer a few questions about why she is rappelling 230 feet for a second year.
OBCA: What made you sign up for last year’s City Skyline Challenge?
Maren: One of my students’ parents, Winn Ellis, who is a magnificent woman, is also very good at talking people into things. Which in her case, is always going to be something that will make a huge difference in your life. I had just started rock climbing and trying to push past my own boundaries, so I figured, why not?
OBCA: What were your feelings towards the idea of rappelling off the roof of the Hyatt? And towards fundraising for Outward Bound California?
Maren: My initial feelings about rappelling were– “I can totally do that.” My feeling once I saw the building from the ground? “Wow. That is really high.” It was the next thought, that I was doing this to raise money for an amazing program, that made that initial sentiment come back. “I got this!” not only because I wanted to do something challenging, but because of what it represented: giving students the opportunity to realize and push past their own boundaries.OBCA: Do you have a connection to Outward Bound California? Or perhaps the wilderness of California?Maren: I am a transplant in California, and since Day 1, have been intrigued, intimidated, and excited by the wilderness of California. What other state do you get beautiful coastline, ocean, mountains and desert? Outward Bound came into my life as a teacher, getting to see the students that participated in some of the summer programs. When I heard the stories of my students who had just returned–well, to say I was impressed is an understatement. It gave me (and continues to give me) drive to explore our great state.OBCA: Were you happy to have reached your fundraising goals? How long did it take you?
Maren: I was so grateful to the wonderful supporters I had, in reaching my fundraising goal. I believe it took me about four weeks to reach last year’s goal of $1,500. Getting a little email notification each time someone would donate, would get me giddy with excitement. Each one, with a little note of encouragement. It made me proud to reach my goal for Outward Bound.
OBCA: What do you remember from the day you rappelled?
Maren: I remember the strange wave of ‘calm’ that came over me as I began to descend. I was telling myself, ‘just breathe and take in this moment.’ It was incredible. There you are, just floating, 23 stories above Market Street, with bustling streets full of cars, people, loud speakers amplifying the voices of the announcers on the ground, and all you hear is the wind, the bay, and your own thoughts.
OBCA: What are you looking forward to for this year’s event?
Maren: I am so excited to get to experience that moment of peaceful floating again. I am even more excited to meet the supporters, the other participants, and the Outward Bound alumni that come to the events prior to, and during the rappel. It is such an uplifting few days!
The 2nd annual City Skyline Challenge will be held in front of and on top of the Hyatt Regency in downtown San Francisco on March 19th and 20th. Special thanks to Maren for taking the time to talk with us. She is getting closer to her fundraising goal every day.
You can sign up to rappel too!
Rappelling not your thing? Donate to our Scholarship Fund!
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