The year 2012 marks Jay Cochrane’s 54th year in the business, his 50th year working on highwires, and his 40th year working on sky-wires, the beautiful, expertly raised, gigantic outdoor installations he has ascended so often to the applause of millions.

Skywalk 2012, sponsored by The Tourism Partnership of Niagara in partnership with the Fallsview Boulevard business improvement area, puts Cochrane into a league of his own. Jay’s highwire will extend 1,300 feet from the top of the Niagara Falls/Fallsview Hilton Hotel North Tower at a height of 581 feet (177m) to the top of the Skylon Tower at a height of 520 feet (160m) in the heart of Niagara Falls. With a distance of 1,300 feet per skywalk, Jay’s total distance can be measured by miles and kilometers.

But even more important to him than any of these spectacular achievements has been his work in the cause of children – especially on behalf of those who are needy or stricken with illness. He has raised millions of dollars for them worldwide and will not ascend the wire unless his performance benefits them. He has dedicated his life to children and their well being.

Cochrane’s announcement of an additional commitment to the Boys and Girls Club of Niagara Falls to share with this great organization a portion of the proceeds that will be derived from his upcoming Skywalk performances in the Niagara region is also most noteworthy. His performances over the past decade in Niagara Falls raised significant contributions to local organizations. Most notably Cochrane raised over US $157,000 for the Tender Wishes Foundation.