It took Camp Dreamcatcher executive director Patty Hillkirk six years on the waiting list to get a license for a fundraising rappelling event, but it turns out the wait was worth it.

On Sept. 29, supporters of the Kennett Square-based Camp Dreamcatcher, an organization that hosts a summer camp for young people who have been impacted by HIV, raised more than $69,000 to donate to the camp through that event give the benefactors the privilege of rappelling down the side of Franklin Center in Kennett Square.

Franklin Center, the tallest building in the borough, was originally built as a Genesis HealthCare office building. It is eight stories high and sits at the corner of Broad Street and Apple Alley.

For 27 years, Camp Dreamcatcher has welcomed youths who have been affected by AIDS to attend this weeklong therapeutic respite free of charge. It gets expensive for this non-profit organization – it costs about $100,000 for each week-long camp.

When Hillkirk found out about Over the Edge, a special events company that provides signature events for non-profit organizations across Canada and the United States, she pursued it.

That pursuit brought her hopes to fruition, and she put out the call to anyone who would raise $1000 in sponsorship to take a trip down the ropes.

On Friday from mid-morning through later afternoon, folks rappelled down the side of the building at the rate of about one team every 10 or so minutes, following a quick training lesson at the top. Spectators who gathered at Apple Alley cheered them on.

Drew Cope of Cope Construction and Renovation in Cochranville said he saw the advertisement online and signed up because he is a foster parent and believes in organizations that help children. When Hillkirk called him to be an announcer he gladly agreed to the task.

As for the potentially intimidating trip down eight stories, the response by morning’s end was unanimously positive.

Even Camp Dreamcatcher Board President RaeRae Adams, who expressed anxiety as she began her descent, gave a “thumbs up” after she reestablished herself on solid ground.

Jeff Darman, who raised $7,000 said, “I’m no fan of heights.” He later said he was not bothered on the way down.

Borough Council President Doug Doerfler, who said it was “OK after you get over the edge,” added controlling the speed of the descent with a rod in his left hand was relatively easy and gave him a sense of control.

Hillkirk was grateful. “This is the largest fundraiser we’ve ever had,” she said.

With $7,000 in sponsors, Darman raised the most as an individual, and the camp counselors raised $13,000 as a group. S&T Bank won second place as the team sponsors that raised more than $5,000.

People who wish to contribute more have until Oct. 29. Go to campdreamcatcher.org to view donation options.