Last weekend, 40 brave community members rappelled the tallest building in downtown Huntington. But the descent down the 17-story West Virginia Building wasn’t just for thrills—the second annual Over the Edge has equipped United Way of the River Cities and the five counties it serves with $21,823 and counting!

This incredible event simply couldn’t happen without the many supporters, advocates, and volunteers who worked tirelessly for months to ensure its success. Give. Advocate. Volunteer. is a message United Ways across the globe promote, and our community does it well.

Special thanks to returning sponsors St. Mary’s ER (presenting sponsor), Advantage Toyota of Barboursville, Quality Care Nursing Services, Cabell Huntington Hospital, and Qdoba and Papa John’s. Of course, none of this would have possible without Alex Vence and his team at The West Virginia Building allowing such a crazy idea. Marathon Petroleum joined the ranks of sponsorship this year.

We are grateful to the participants who donated or raised a thousand dollars to rappel. Donations will go back into the community to support our work in the areas of education, health, financial stability, and safety net services for our region.

Thank you to the volunteers who helped with registration, escorted rappelers, assisted with ropes on the ground, and helped Over the Edge staff on the roof.

City of Huntington employees were cooperative to our needs. We are thankful to the businesses on the 9th Street Plaza and Fourth Avenue for accommodating the event

The funds raised from participants will be invested locally in programs that impact our communities in Cabell, Wayne, Lincoln and Mason counties in West Virginia, and Lawrence County, Ohio. Because of those mentioned and many more, Over the Edge 2018 has the potential to positively affect thousands in our community and beyond. Thank you.

 

Carol Bailey, Executive Director, United Way of the River Cities
Matt Ward, Director of Development, United Way of the River Cities