VIDEO: Going Over The Top For Special Olympics

The Connecticut Special Olympics recently concluded a short fundraising campaign called Over the Edge, but even by normal standards, the campaign was a success.

In two months, participants raised approximately $70,000, according to Sarah Bellerive, a spokesperson for the event. Participants who raised $1,000 or more were awarded the opportunity to rappel 34 stories down the Mohegan Sun hotel Thursday.

Lt. Eric Dessaules said he raised the money by buying food and cooking a giant breakfast for co-workers at York Correctional Facility.

When asked if his efforts were worth the reward, he said, "absolutely, the athletes face bigger obstacles than that every day."

Sgt. Andre Parker, of the Waterford Police Department, said he asked friends and family and went door-to-door to neighbors and businesses to raise enough money for the cause.

Bellerive said the money is not going to any specific program but just to provide year-round sports training and competition for more than 13,000 athletes and partners in Connecticut.