March 28, 2024

Newton man goes ‘Over the Edge’

Bloom has raised nearly $1,500 for nonprofit group

Image 1 of 2

“Let me win. But if I cannot win, let me be brave in the attempt.”

The motto of Special Olympics is well known, but perhaps isn’t as well known is the gargantuan effort put forth each year to ensure as many people with intellectual disabilities have a chance to participate. Despite those efforts, only one in 10 of those people currently get that opportunity.

“The Knights of Columbus of Iowa really try to help,” Tim Bloom of Newton said. “It’s a noble cause, a good cause.”

So when Tim learned from other Knights of Columbus about the Over the Edge fundraising program, he thought it would be a great idea for someone in Newton to participate. So, he took it back to the KCs at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Newton.

“They thought it was a great idea, too,” he said. “But, they thought that since it was my idea, I should do it ... They promised to back my fundraising efforts.”

Raising the money wasn’t too difficult. The Sacred Heart pastor, Fr. Bill Reynolds, promoted it during worship services, after which Tim would stand in the back of the church to accept donations. Notwithstanding one anonymous donation online, and a few donations from around the community, the vast majority of the money Tim raised came from the Sacred Heart congregation.

Then came the hard part.

Tim’s reward was a 345-foot drop. Those who participated in Over the Edge and surpassed a certain donation level were offered a chance to rappel off the Financial Center in downtown Des Moines, one of the largest buildings in the city.

“I would say my experience is pretty limited,” he said before the drop. “I have gone to some 4-H camps before, but it was nothing like this. This is going to be totally different.”

Although Tim didn’t know what to expect going into his rappelling adventure, he did have some practice beforehand. Each participant was provided a tutorial, and the day before, a practice rappel was held in Boone.

As fun as the reward was, it’s not quite as rewarding as knowing more Special Olympians in Iowa will be able to compete this year. Special Olympics offers children and adults with intellectual disabilities year-round training and competition in 26 Olympic-type summer and winter sports at no charge.

“[Over the Edge was] a great opportunity for Tim and other brave individuals who want to be part of this extreme adventure to make a difference for the 11,000 Special Olympics Iowa athletes across the state,” Special Olympics Iowa President and CEO Hal Pittman said.

Currently, Special Olympics Iowa serves nearly 11,000 Iowans with intellectual disabilities, providing year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports. The goal is to help them 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.

“It’s an awesome opportunity to help kids with intellectual disabilities,” Tim said. “I’m glad Knights of Columbus and other organizations support Special Olympics. But, anyone is welcome to support what they do with their own donations.”

Daily News Editor Bob Eschliman may be contacted at (641) 792-3121, ext. 423, or at beschliman@newtondailynews.com.