Postponed until further notice.

No one knows how long the effects of the Coronavirus will impact our community or to what degree. Until we all feel confident returning to life as we knew it, many events, including Over the Edge (OTE) have been canceled or postponed. We are working with Southeast Missouri State University and OTE to try to identify another date that will not conflict with students, other events, or seasonal weather. Until then, all OTE donations will remain untouched in an OTE fund. Many thanks to our Edgers and donors who already committed. Our network and those we serve will need the resources this event brings in more than ever! #SEMOUnited

Help us Celebrate 50 years as a United Way in Southeast Missouri and help us reach our $50,000 goal!

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Why Go Over The Edge?

Every day people throughout Southeast Missouri live on the edge of poverty, homelessness and challenges many of us can never imagine. So on June 5th, 50 brave Edgers who care about our community will 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 June 5th 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.

Every Edger must pay $75 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.

Chartwells Chicken Coop

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 Chartwells 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.

Buy Chicken Coop Ticket

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 $1,000 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 June 5th. 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!

Sign your Boss up today!

Want to Volunteer?

If you would like to volunteer for this event please email Raechel Reinitz.

Rope volunteers will train 7-10 AM the morning of the event and will get the opportunity to rappel without raising funds. Register Here: https://overtheedgeglobal.com/urban-rappelling/volunteers/

Thank you to our event sponsors!

Building Sponsor

Landing Zone Sponsor

Chicken Coop Sponsor

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 June 5th 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. Ropes volunteers begin training at 7 a.m. and some will rappel as part of their training. The first Edger will go over around 11 a.m. and the last should touch down around 4 p.m.
I’d love to watch my friend rappel down a building! Will a schedule of the Edgers be released? Yes, the schedule is still changing as more Edgers reach their fundraising goal. We hope to post a final schedule Wednesday evening or sooner.
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 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. Money raised here stays here!
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 Chartwells 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. Professional OTE 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!