‘Over the Edge’ has raised more than $1M for BBBS

“Over the Edge for Kids’ Sake” – the urban rappelling event that has raised big money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley in the past six years – was about to get started from the Hotel Blackhawk’s roof in downtown Davenport. Twelve rappellers (or “Edgers,” as event organizers call them) were about […]

“Over the Edge for Kids’ Sake” – the urban rappelling event that has raised big money for Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Mississippi Valley in the past six years – was about to get started from the Hotel Blackhawk’s roof in downtown Davenport. Twelve rappellers (or “Edgers,” as event organizers call them) were about to go down 11 stories, or 140 feet, from the north side of the hotel on Friday afternoon, Aug. 25, during this VIP event for “Over the Edge.” Another 90 some “Edgers” went down the side of the hotel on Saturday, Aug. 26.

1 of 8

First-time “Edger” Stephanie Johnson was getting safety instructions on Friday for her big leap of faith off the hotel building when she had a little time to reflect on the event. “I’m feeling good. Right now, I’m spiderwoman. In my mind, that’s what I’m thinking – ‘I’m spiderwoman,’” she said. A few feet away from her, another first-time ‘Edger,” Adam Bengfort, also was thinking about the big jump. But he was also thinking about another big event in his life. Mr. Bengfort and his fiancee, Cassie Blaser, are getting married in the Hotel Blackhawk on Saturday, Sept. 9.  “When (Cassie) heard I was doing this, she said ‘Don’t die, please.’ … She supports this. She was just kidding about being concerned, I think,” he said. Ms. Blaser said she indeed does support her future husband’s “Over the Edge” journey. But she also was quick to point out the sign she was holding outside the hotel as the rappellers completed their journey.  It read: “Please don’t die. I love you.” Another nearby sign held by a family friend read: “Over the edge & down the aisle.” “I’m glad he made it down safe,” Ms. Blaser said shortly after her future husband successfully completed the 11-story rappel. The rappelling treks of Mr. Bengfort and Ms. Johnson were two of the individual stories that comprised the sixth annual “Over the Edge” fundraiser for BBBS. That event has raised about $155,000 this year and more than $1 million over six years, said Jay Justin, president and CEO of BBBS of the Mississippi Valley. That organization 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. On Friday, several of the top money raisers and supporters of BBBS were given the chance to make the first trips down the hotel during the VIP event. The event greeted the guests and “Edgers” with inspirational rock music from a DJ. One of the songs played was “Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees.  There were also many inspirational signs placed in and around the hotel. Some of the messages included:

• “Thank you for your bravery”
• “Every step you are taking is empowering a child’s life”
• “You are fearless”
• “Hands down, you’re amazing”

But probably the most important signs reminded the Edgers of the safety rules before they made their jumps. One safety checklist sign had several questions: “Hair tied back?” “Gloves and helmets buckled?” “Harness buckled?” Randy Stocker, a safety crew member, also was reminding the Edgers to empty their pockets. One of the big safety concerns is items falling out of pockets during the rappel and hitting people on the ground.  “First thing, is there anything in your pockets? … Those things in your pockets are a drop hazard,” he told the first group of Edgers as they left the staging area headed for the roof. Once on the hotel roof, there were more safety lessons from crew members. “Don’t do any crazy jumps. Don’t look in anybody’s windows (going down the building). Just walk the wall,” another crew member told the first group. The first person to go down the side of the hotel on Friday was Sarah Colbrese, 23. She was all smiles as she completed her trek and greeted some of the 50 or so people waiting at the bottom of the hotel. “I thought that was fun. I’ve never done anything like that, but I have been skydiving,” she added. The 2023 event marked the sixth year for the unique fundraiser and it is presented by Active Endeavors and Bank of America. The event day sponsor is Estes Construction. The hotel sponsor is Hotel Blackhawk.