Rappelling 105 feet down the side of the William Hepburn High Rise at 400 Lycoming Street in Williamsport, does not sound like your average fundraiser, but that is exactly what the officials from three area non-profit organizations hope when the “Over the Edge” fundraiser is held this Saturday, October 26th as brave and generous individuals who have raised $1,000 will be able to risk life and limb to benefit these organizations.

This event is a collaborative fundraiser for the YWCA of Northcentral Pennsylvania, the River Valley Regional YMCA and the Williamsport Area School District Educational Foundation.

OTE allows members of the community to voluntarily commit to raise at least $1,000 in exchange to rappel from the top of the Lycoming County Housing Authority’s William Hepburn High Rise apartment building downtown.

The nonprofits banded together in 2018 to bring the event to the city for the first time last fall. The rappellers could donate to the nonprofit of their choice — or have it divided evenly among all three. The daring participants collectively raised more than $50,000 for their organizations through the efforts of about 70 “edgers.”

Experiencing the 105-foot descent is a reward for those who have committed to raise $1,000 for the participating non-profit organizations.

“Together, our organizations support those in our community who are improving their health, education and seeking personal empowerment. Over the Edge is a way for thrill -seekers and community – minded folks alike to support those who are dedicated to making a better life for themselves,” Anna Thompson, YWCA Communications and Development Director, told Webb Weekly.

The funds raised to support the three nonprofits make a specific impact at each agency.

At the YMCA, funds will support programs for veterans, childcare education initiatives and the LIVESTRONG at the YMCA program.

At the YWCA, funds will directly support women rebuilding their lives after experiencing domestic violence.

At the WASDEF, funds will give students increased education opportunities and provide grants for teachers seeking to better their classrooms and students seeking specific educational goals.

“Each of our organizations meet at a cross-section, so to speak. Each one of our nonprofits is impacting and helping to improve the same lives who make up our community in the ways that are most meaningful: health, empowerment and education. So, the partnership in this event made sense when we entered into it two years ago,” Greg Hayes, executive director of the WASDEF said.

The funds raised through this event for the WASD Education Foundation will help to support our ability to fund program enhancements within the district. This event helps to raise the unrestricted dollars the foundation works to generate each year so that we have the flexibility to help meet the variety needs of the district that its budget can’t support.”

According to Jessica Probst, YMCA Development Director, safety is the number one priority of Over the Edge. “While rappelling may seem intimidating, especially for those afraid of heights, professional staff with rigging, ropes and climbing experience travel to Williamsport to set-up all Over the Edge logistics.”

During the event, members of the U.S. Army Recruiter’s office support rappellers and man the ropes, providing support and encouragement, Probst added.

“Over the Edge Williamsport is a fun and exciting way to support three non-profits in our community who work hand in hand to make our community a better place to live,” Probst said.

Webb Weekly’s own Steph Nordstrom will also be joining the Over the Edge event. She’s looking forward to making the rappel in support of the YWCA. “I’m nervous and excited to do the rappel, but I am a huge supporter of the YWCA and want to help where I can. With October being ‘Domestic Violence Awareness Month’ supporting the YWCA seems especially appropriate.”

For a full list of those going Over The Edge, or to make a donation to one of these nonprofits in their honor, visit http://overtheedge.events/williamsport.