How Will YOU Go Over The Edge?

Every day people throughout Southeast Missouri face challenges many of us can never imagine. So on May 17^th we are asking our citizens to take on a 147-foot challenge! This will be the most exhilarating fundraiser our community has ever seen, and you will want to be a part of it!

To make this event a huge win for Southeast Missouri, we need Edgers, volunteers, donors, and our entire community to come lend support! If making your way down 12 stories is beyond your adrenaline grade, we have many more ways everyone can get involved.

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Want to Rappel?

Do you have the courage to rappel 12 stories down Towers South on May 17^th to raise funds for your community? Then register as an individual or create your own team!

Teams: If your friends like adventurous fundraising or if your workplace wants a teambuilding experience they won't forget, this is your kind of event! Every team must include a total of 6 people. Every Edger who registers is guaranteed a rappel spot once they raise $1,000, $6,000 per team.

All Edgers who register will use the Over the Edge Fundraising platform to create their own personal website. This is where you will tell your future donors why you are willing to go Over the Edge for your community. Then you will share this link with friends, family, and co-workers, encouraging them to help you go Over the Edge for Southeast Missouri.

How to register to Rappel

1- Register Here

2- Register to Rappel or Donate to another Edgers cause.

Every Edger must pay $85 to register and use the fundraising platform. Only those who reach the fundraising minimum of $1,000 will be allowed to rappel. No prior ropes, rappelling or fundraising experience is required. Anyone 14 and over between 100 and 300 pounds can rappel Over the Edge.

Too Chicken?

Not everyone thinks dangling 147 feet in the air is thrilling. And we’re using this to our advantage. Everyone who donates $100 to an Edger becomes a member of the Chicken Coop. Throughout the day we will raffle prizes for our Chicken Coop chickens. Currently, we are seeking a sponsor for the Coop. Please contact us if you are interested in this sponsorship or any others to demonstrate your company’s community support during this exciting event.

Toss Your Boss?

Is your boss terrified of heights but a BIG supporter of Southeast Missouri? Great! We have a fun employee bonding opportunity for your workplace! If your workplace is too small to form a team, you can still join in the fun. Raise a MINIMUM of $1,500 to Toss your Boss and he or she can MATCH the dollar amount your team raises to delegate someone else to go Over the Edge on May 17th. Keep in mind that there is no limit to how much money your workplace can raise to Toss your Boss Over the Edge! Make them an offer they can't refuse!

Volunteer!

Dependable, enthusiastic volunteers are critical to the success of this unique event. You can commit to a couple of hours or to the whole day. We need help with:

Hospitality: Keeping our hospitality tent stocked with healthy snacks and beverages for all of our sponsors and volunteers throughout the day.
Logistics: Ensuring the many different grounds activities have what they need, are accessible to everyone or remain safely roped off where applicable.
Ground Events: Overseeing lawn games and activities to create a family-friendly atmosphere for the folks who come out to watch and support Edgers.

Sign up here for the volunteer slot that is most appealing to you. And be sure to put our Community Celebration on your calendar on April 11 from 11:30-1:00! April is National Volunteer Month, and we want to buy you lunch! (Follow our social media for location details, which we’re still confirming; we also will add you to our email distribution list for updates.)

FAQs about OTE

Frequently Asked Questions

Who can go Over the Edge? Although OTE allows anyone under 18 to rappel, they recommend 14 and up. All minors must have a parent or guardian present at the event and a signed waiver. All Edgers must weigh between 100 and 300 pounds and raise $1,000 by May 17^th to go Over the Edge.
When does the event start and how long does it last? Over the Edge will be an all-day event, with the first Edger scheduled to go over at 9 a.m. and the last touching down around 5 p.m. Time estimates will vary depending on the final number of Edgers. We will update our social media accounts with information as more details are confirmed, so be sure to hit that “Like” button!
I’d love to watch my friend rappel down a building! Will a schedule of the Edgers be released? Yes, a schedule will be posted nearer the day of the event.
What happens if I don’t raise the full $1,000? See if other members of your team are willing to help you raise funds or contribute some of theirs. If you need fundraising ideas, please reach out and follow our social media. We will share videos, webinars and lots of proven best practices to help every Edger be successful.
What does the money I raise go toward? United Way of Southeast Missouri supports over 30 programs that span 4 counties in Southeast Missouri. By contributing to programs dedicated to improving health, education, and income, our collective approach helps to improve the lives of everyone in our community.
Will spectators have access to the refreshments offered at hospitality tents? Food will be for sale to the general public. Edgers, volunteers, sponsors, and anyone donating $100 will have entry into the Chicken Coop for free refreshments and raffles.
Will weather conditions cancel the event? The event goes on rain or shine. However, Edgers will not rappel in dangerous conditions that include lightning and high winds. Personnel from Over the Edge determine whether the event is canceled and might be rescheduled for the next day. Their goal is to have a successful event, and personal safety is paramount.
What sorts of safety precautions will be taken? The safety of participating Edgers is our highest priority. Our professional staff members are industrial ropes certified, and each event site is subject to an exhaustive inspection and safety plan developed by a senior staff member. Every possible risk is accounted for and minimized. To learn more, click here.
Has anyone ever been injured going Over the Edge? Our OTE team said in the eight years they have held 800 urban rappels, the only injury involved a bee sting.
Is it actually fun? Absolutely! Over the Edge enjoys a 95% customer satisfaction rate, as well as an 80% repeat rate!
Is there anything beyond donating and volunteering I can do to help? United Way of Southeast Missouri has several committees that you can volunteer to serve on! Each one plays a vital role in helping us make a difference. Learn more about them by clicking here!