West New Yorkers Rappel Off Seneca One Roof, Raise Money for a Good Cause

BUFFALO, NY — Seneca One is the tallest building in Buffalo at 38 stories. Dozens of brave Western New York residents were able to rappel down its hillside Friday to help local children and adults with developmental disabilities.

The fundraiser attracted a total of 52 people, who each walked over the edge of the tower to raise money for Arc Erie County.

This was the second year The Arc worked with Over the Edge to host the event at Seneca One.

“We’re in year two, we sold out right away,” CEO Douglas DiGesare said. “It’s a lot of fun. Our first two people who came today were 80 years old, so it was pretty amazing.”

Fresh off their last National Lacrosse League Championship, Buffalo Bandits forward Chase Fraser represented the team by participating in the event and made his way down the building with ease.

“You got the email saying, ‘Would you like to come support a good cause and rappel down a tall building?’ “Absolutely,” he said. “Anything that gets the adrenaline going or gives back to the community, I’m all for it.”

Pam Vetrano, sales manager at Highmark WNY, works inside Seneca One and was able to greet her co-workers as she descended from the roof.

“It was scarier than I thought it would be at the top, but then it was so exciting,” she said. “The weather is perfect, the views are perfect. You just have to go down, admire the view, take your time.”

The Arc Erie County plans to use the nearly $140,000 raised at the event to help build an inclusive, sensory-friendly farm in Alden.