“Over the Edge” – the annual fundraising event for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley – has raised more than $160,000 this year, and the money is still being counted.
That’s the word from Jay Justin, president and CEO of BBBS Mississippi Valley.
Mr. Justin told the QCBJ that the final fundraising figure from the Over the Edge event won’t be known for a few weeks, but it’s “safe to say the event raised more than $160,000 this year.”
“It’s an incredible experience to host this annual event. The energy and enthusiasm displayed by the participants, their supporters, our sponsors and community partners makes for a wonderful experience for all,” he said in a message to the QCBJ.
The “Over the Edge” event allows people who have completed fundraising goals for the BBBS to rappel down the 11 stories, or 140 feet, from the north side of the Hotel Blackhawk in Davenport. This year’s event took place on Aug. 25-26 and featured about 100 people going over the edge of the building. The BBBS fundraising event has taken place for six years and has raised more than $1 million in that time.
“This event is a game-changer, a one-of-a-kind experience where fundraising becomes a labor of love once participants dive into our mission and the heartwarming stories of our matches,” according to the BBBS Facebook page.
The local chapter of the BBBS helps 500 to 700 young people in the region every year. Mr. Justin said BBBS helps young people focus on problem solving, giving them self esteem and getting young people to cope with life as they get mentoring help from adults, he said in a recent interview with the QCBJ.
The money raised for “Over the Edge” helps support the one-on-one mentoring program offered by BBBS.
