‘Edgers’ Raise More Than $110,000 for UCC’s Bethany Children’s Home

CHHSM President and CEO Michael J. Readinger went “Over The Edge” for Bethany Children’s Home at this year’s event.

A unique, if “edgy” fundraising campaign once again has raised money for the medical needs of youth at the United Church of Christ’s Bethany Children’s Home in Womelsdorf, Pa.

“OTE4Bethany” (Over The Edge), was held Sept. 22 at the Loft at 525 in Reading, Pa., and featured volunteers rappelling down the side of the building — with experts guiding their descent. This year’s campaign raised more than $110,000.

The funds will be used to renovate Bethany’s health clinic. Updates will include two private exam rooms, resting rooms for youth who are sick and home from school, staff offices and space for private meetings with youth, a bathroom and kitchenette, says Meggan Kerber, Bethany’s director of development.

“The renovations are planned to begin by Nov. 1 and will take seven weeks to complete,” says Kerber. “The OTE fundraiser helped us begin the renovations. Additional grants and funding are being sought to provide equipment for the space.”

OTE4Bethany is one of the ways the children’s home creates awareness of the services it provides for local youth who have experienced trauma in their lives. The campaign provides “an opportunity for the community to learn more about the critical issues of our youth, and the services provided at Bethany to keep them safe,” says Kevin Snyder, CEO of Bethany. “Each and every day, our kids are working to take back their lives in a safe, secure setting that provides them the support they need to work through the trauma they have faced.”

Kerber notes that Bethany will host an open house of the renovated space for all donors after the new year. The improvements will have a long-term effect on the care Bethany provides.

“Meeting the health and medical needs of our youth is critical to not only their physical health, but also their self-esteem, self-confidence, and mental health,” Kerber says.

Watch a wrap-up video of this year’s OTE4Bethany.