LAKELAND, Fla. \u2014 They are taking fundraising to new heights in Polk County.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Residents pacing themselves, as they rappel 10 stories down the Lakeland Electric building, including Lakeland Mayor Bill Mutz.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
These thrill-seekers are helping Pace Center for Girls, Polk reach their goal of raising $85,000. Pace is a year-round school for at-risk girls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy wife and I are long supporters of [Pace] and will continue to be, just because we\u2019ve seen the difference in some of the lives that we\u2019re so grateful for,\u201d Mutz said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Tyra P., 18, is one of them. She has made a dramatic improvement since coming to Pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cBack when I was in regular public school, I would be skipping class. Not worried about my grades, always doing something. Pace, when I came here they changed me a lot,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many of the girls at Pace are dealing with past trauma, some are even victims of human trafficking. Students at Pace learn academics, life skills and work closely with counselors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cIt\u2019s OK, not to be OK,” Tyra said. “That’s what I’ve learned. It’s OK to have those bad days. It\u2019s OK to come in and not always be in the mood, but you can’t be there for too long.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Ten Story Challenge also working as a life lesson.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cWe want the girls to see you can conquer your fears. They are conquerable. You can get over those things and become productive and put them behind you,\u201d Dr. Mark Creech, Program Director of Pace Center for Girls, Polk said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n