Oak Crest's Evelyn Schroedl, 96, Rappels 27 Floors for Kidney Health

June 9, 2014

PARKVILLE, MD---In the 1920's, Logan Dyke walked on I-beams and steel girders high atop the Baltimore skyline for his job constructing hotels and high-rise office buildings.
Nearly 100 years later, his daughter, Evelyn Schroedl, 96, found a unique way to follow in her father's footsteps.
With a crystal-blue sky as a background canvass, Ms. Schroedl, a resident of Oak Crest retirement community, rappelled 27 floors down the Inner Harbor side of the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront.  She did it for the National Kidney Foundation of Maryland's Rappel for Kidney Health fundraiser on June 7th.
Ms. Schroedl was one of eighty people who took to the challenge.  Following registration, Ms. Schroedl was fitted with rappelling gear, including harnesses, gloves and helmet.  She then ventured to the 32nd floor, the rooftop of the Marriott, for a training session from technicians with Over the Edge, a special events company that coordinates rappelling fundraisers for non-profit organizations around the world.
Ms. Schroedl calmly waited her turn, chatting with other participants and taking in the gorgeous view of the city skyline that her father often enjoyed.  The moment came at 1pm, and Ms. Schroedl, fastened with two ropes and equipped with a communication radio, took her first step off the Marriott under the watchful eyes of the Over the Edge staff.
Five minutes later her steady descent to the 5th floor pool deck of the Marriott was nearly completed.  As she touched ground, Ms. Schroedl was greeted by scores of cheering supporters, including two dozen of her fellow residents from Oak Crest.
"It was a very interesting afternoon filled with so many wonderful people," described Ms. Schroedl.  "My main concern was getting the instructions right and then just enjoying the experience. "
Ms. Schroedl accepted an invitation to rappel from Walt and Marge Stawinski, long-time volunteers for the National Kidney Foundation and also residents of Oak Crest.  The Erickson Living retirement community sponsored her participation.
"On behalf of the residents and employees of Oak Crest, we are very proud of Evelyn Schroedl.  By participating in the National Kidney Foundation's rappel event, she not only supported a worthy cause, but also showed that at any age you can always learn, do and be more than you were the day before.  With her humble nature, Evelyn inspires us every day, and today she demonstrated that spirit to all of Baltimore," stated Gary Hibbs, Executive Director of Oak Crest.
Ms. Schroedl has lived at the Erickson Living retirement community in northeast Baltimore County, for nearly seven years.  Her favorite pastime is tennis.  Ms. Schroedl plays in United States Tennis Association (USTA) events throughout the Baltimore area, focusing on mixed doubles competition. 
An avid traveler, Ms. Schroedl has participated in forty-two trips sponsored by Elderhostel (now Road Scholar).  This travel has taken her throughout the world, including London for the Wimbledon Championships and a journey to Antarctica.

About Oak Crest:  Oak Crest is one of seventeen continuing care retirement communities managed by Erickson Living.  Located in Parkville, Maryland the scenic 87-acre campus is home to more than 2,100 residents.  Oak Crest is the ideal greater Baltimore retirement destination offering a true sense of community, convenience beyond compare and a sensible financial structure.

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