Local officials, executives to raise money for Boy Scouts with Stratosphere jump

By Paul Takahashi

Tuesday, Oct. 19, 2010 | 2:55 p.m.

What do Clark County Commissioner Chris Giunchigliani and Las Vegas City Councilmen Steve Ross and Ricki Barlow have in common?

They’re a few of the prominent Las Vegans who have signed up to participate in “Jump for Scouting,” a fundraiser where they pledge to ride SkyJump Las Vegas, the highest sky jump in the world.

CEOs, executives and politicians will be taking the leap at 7 a.m. on Oct. 28 when they jump 855 feet off of the Stratosphere in a “controlled free-fall.” Each participant will collect a minimum of $855 in pledges, $1 for each foot above the Las Vegas Strip, to benefit the local Boy Scouts of America.

“I am taking a leap of faith that Scouting will provide our kids, tomorrow’s leaders, with the tools they will need to bring our country back to greatness,” Ross said in a prepared statement.

Las Vegas residents can show their support by helping their favorite politicians and executives secure the pledges needed to meet the challenges. Supporters can donate on the Las Vegas Area Boy Scouts website. The minimum online pledge is $25.

City of Henderson Mayor Andy Hafen; Henderson Councilwoman Debra March; Las Vegas Fire Chief Mike Myers; Jacob Snow, general manager of the Regional Transportation Commission; Mike Gorman, general manager Medic West & AMR; Don Giancursio, CEO of United Healthcare; Jeff Shaw, CEO of Southwest Gas; and Marilyn Kirkpatrick, Nevada State assemblywoman; are some of the participants who are planning to “Jump for Scouting.”

Las Vegas Mayor Oscar Goodman will be present for a post-jump awards presentation. The event will support the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America.

The SkyJump, which opened earlier this year, is a popular Las Vegas Strip attraction. Riders are given a safety lesson, then dressed up in custom jump suits and connected to a “descender machine.” They then jump off the 108th floor of the Stratosphere, the tallest observation tower in the U.S. The “descender machine” and guide wires slow the rider down for a controlled landing.