Alex Garner rappels down the side of the Beau Rivage.
University of Mississippi senior Alex Garner, a 22-year-old nutrition and dietetics major from Gulfport, recently got to rappel down the side of the Beau Rivage as part of her work with Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
Volunteers got an opportunity to rappel off the side of the iconic hotel and casino if they raised at least $1,000 for Habitat for Humanity and met certain qualifications. Garner was among the lucky 70 volunteers who got to rappel off the side of the Beau Rivage, thanks to her experience and certification in ropes courses.
“I’m from Gulfport and have been to the Beau Rivage over a hundred times,” Garner said. “This opportunity was exciting because I got to experience a whole new perspective of the hotel, beach and surrounding area.”
Participants had to meet certain criteria in order to do the stunt: must have previous experience with rope safety systems, course facilitation, rock climbing instruction, high-angle rescue and industrial rope access.
Garner, along with the other ropes volunteers, helped raise more than $100,000 for Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. She was excited and humbled to be able to partake in this event and cause.
“I go to rappel off the side of the Beau while helping out a really awesome charity in Habitat for Humanity,” Garner said. “This was such a great experience, and I was so glad I was able to attend.”
Over the Edge, which sponsored this event and other similar stunts, is a special events organization that specializes in rappelling exercises. Founded in 2003, the company has helped thousands of participants take a once-in-a-lifetime plunge over the edge for some great causes and charities.