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Recreation
Perrine Bridge Festival Raises Money for Children with Special Needs
Miles Daisher climbs over the rail of the Perrine Bridge as he gets ready to take the plunge. He set a BASE jumping record at the first bridge festival.
When Twin Falls native Nikki Daisher’s husband Miles‚ a well-known BASE jumper‚ decided to set a world record jumping off the Perrine Bridge in 2005‚ she recognized a valuable community service opportunity.
“I’m a pediatric occupational therapist‚ and I saw a need for funds for children with special needs in our area‚” Daisher says. “I knew Miles’ jumps would get a lot of media attention‚ so I got the hospital foundation to create a fund for special needs kids‚ and I asked local businesses to display their banners and pledge to donate $10 for each jump.”
Media giants such as ESPN covered the event‚ and several businesses gave more than $500 after Miles made 57 BASE jumps in less than 24 hours. The event was so successful‚ it became known as the Perrine Bridge Festival‚ which celebrated its third year in September 2007.
“It has turned into a celebration of the Perrine Bridge‚ with BASE jumping‚ hot air balloons‚ food‚ music‚ a kids’ carnival and a fun run‚” Daisher says.
Each year‚ businesses sponsor the festival at different giving levels. In return‚ they get to display their banners at the festival.
“Businesses see the potential because of all the people there‚” Daisher says. “There’s a steady flow of people throughout the day who come to watch the BASE jumpers and take their kids to the carnival.”
Money raised from the Perrine Bridge Festival continues to help children with special needs in areas including physical‚ speech and occupation therapy; wheelchair lifts; respite care; a listening program and various other learning tools. The festival raised $30‚000 in 2006 and approximately $40‚000 in 2007.
“We added an art exhibit and auction in 2007‚ and it raised $3‚000 alone‚” Daisher says. “The festival is getting quite a bit of exposure‚ and I hope it gets even bigger. It’s something very unique that could draw people to Idaho.”
For more information on the 2008 Perrine Bridge Festival‚ please visit www.perrinebridgefestival.com.
Story by Renee Elder
Photo by Staff
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