Hawaii Catholic Herald
A St. John Apostle and Evangelist Church parishioner is going “Over The Edge” this fall in support of Special Olympics Hawaii.
Dan Del Monte, 82, a Vietnam submarine veteran who has served for decades as an extraordinary minister of holy Communion at the Mililani church, will rappel from the rooftop of the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa — 40 stories up — on Oct. 11, one of 96 participants in Special Olympics Hawaii’s 16th annual “Over The Edge” fundraiser. The event attracts thrill-seekers as well as their family and friends to support the nonprofit organization.
Special Olympics Hawaii offers sports training and athletic competition for keiki and adults with intellectual disabilities, “giving them continuing opportunities to develop physical fitness, demonstrate courage, experience joy and participate in a sharing of gifts, skills and friendship with their families, other Special Olympics athletes and the community,” according to the organization’s mission statement.
This is not the first time Del Monte has defied his fear of heights — he also rappelled down the Hyatt last year, raising more than $4,500 of his $5,000 goal.
He has the same goal this year and says that as of July 28, he has raised about $2,300.
“Yes, it is a challenge for me,” Del Monte wrote in a social media post. “I am afraid of heights. But I feel that people with intellectual disabilities overcome challenges every day. God bless them.”
To support Del Monte’s efforts, visit his fundraising page: bit.ly/dandelmonte25. To learn more about Special Olympics Hawaii, visit sohawaii.org.