Page 22 - South Mississippi Living - December, 2017

COASTNOTES
Designers Go Over
the Edge for Habitat
story by Kelsey Sunderman-Foster photos by John Stricklin and courtesy of Habitat for Humanity
Ever wondered what it would
be like to experience the Coast from a birds-eye view? Thirty-nine lucky (and brave) participants recently did just that in Habitat for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast’s Hang Out with Habitat.
For the challenge, each participant rappelled 300 feet down the side of IP Casino Resort Spa, all for a great cause. All funds raised through the event go toward building a home for a Gulfport family. At deadline time, the total amount raised was projected to exceed $91,000.
Two of the rappellers were South Mississippi Living’s very own graphic designers, Missy Mitchell and Dara Parker. The two were excited for the opportunity and to be able to support a great cause. They designed their own matching shirts for the occasion which fittingly read “South Mississippi Living pushed me over the edge.”
The day of the event, Mitchell and Parker were both hit with the reality of what they were about to do. “300 feet is a long way up, and 32 stories would be a really hard fall,” joked Mitchell. After a brief training session, the two were put in harnesses and led to the edge of the IP’s roof.
Once in place, photographer John Stricklin was on the scene. “For the photos, John told us to let go of the ropes that we were holding on to,” Parker said. “I remember telling him to please hurry up and take the picture!” Scary as it was, he did manage to get some great photos.
“My knees were shaking when they told us to go ahead and start making our way down,” said Mitchell. “I couldn’t have done it without Dara there, I think I may have come back in.”
“Missy and Dara were enthusiastic participants and we appreciate M2 Media’s participation and the support of their staff, said Lindsay Freise, director of resource development for Habitat
for Humanity of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. “The ladies showed up dressed to impress and their supportive cheering squad of coworkers and loved ones was ready to greet them when they landed safely on the ground. We hope to see them swing a hammer on the build site or at next year’s event!”
22 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • December 2017 FOR MORE REFLECTIONS OF THE GULF COAST >> www.smliving.net
DID YOU SAY IT IS?
DARA
MISSY