WORCESTER—There are perhaps easier, less risky, ways to show support for a good cause—but on Sunday, a group of state legislators and nonprofit leaders decided to take the scenic route: 14,000 feet straight down.
As part of the second annual The Sky’s the Limit campaign, State Senators Michael Moore and Robyn Kennedy joined nonprofit directors and community advocates for a tandem skydive at Skydive Danielson in Connecticut. The high-altitude stunt was meant to raise funds and awareness for two Central Massachusetts nonprofits working with vulnerable youth and families: CASA Project Worcester County and Legendary Legacies.
The event started last year as a bucket-list idea, but has since grown into a full-blown fundraiser with a message. Julie Bowditch, executive director of CASA, and Ron Waddell, who leads Legendary Legacies, both jumped again this year—alongside a growing team of civic supporters.
“It’s an honor to have support so strong that leaders will literally leap into action for our work,” Bowditch said in the campaign announcement.
CASA Project Worcester County trains and supports volunteer advocates who represent children who have experienced abuse or neglect, helping them navigate the court system and find safe, permanent homes.
Legendary Legacies provides mentorship, workforce training, and support to young men of color who have been impacted by incarceration, gang involvement, and systemic barriers.
Waddell said the courage it takes to jump out of a plane “is nothing compared to the resilience our participants show every day.”
Moore, who also participated in last year’s jump, said, “There’s nothing I won’t do to raise awareness and funding for youth—even jump out of a perfectly good airplane!”
Kennedy made her first skydive with the group this year. “Our future depends on how we show up for young people today,” she said. “When we believe in them, they rise—and so does our whole community.”
The campaign has so far raised $2,500, with support from donors including Lamoureux Pagano Associates and The Fontaine Community Foundation. Contributions are still being accepted at charity.pledgeit.org/theskysthelimit.
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