Going “Over the Edge” for those in need

Philanthropists rappel down Keystone Realty Group’s 220 Meridian on Aug. 13, 2021, in downtown Indianapolis during United Way of Central Indiana’s Over the Edge event. United Way will host its third Over the Edge — a fundraiser for the Basic Needs Fund — on Aug. 12, 2022.

On Aug. 12, more than 60 philanthropists will stand high atop a building in downtown Indianapolis, nothing but a harness, helmet, ropes – and 300 feet – between them and the ground.  

Then they’ll plunge down the side of Keystone Realty Group’s 220 Meridian, rappelling 23 stories for United Way’s third Over the Edge event.  

It’s all to raise funds for United Way of Central Indiana’s basic needs work, which helps provide Hoosiers with healthy food, affordable housing, reliable transportation and access to healthcare services.   

The need is great: Nearly 40% of Indiana households cannot afford to meet their basic needs.  

For many of those rappelling this year, the cause is personal.  

Pamela Anderson is going over the edge for her mom.  

“It was because of programming, just like the Basic Needs Fund, that she was able to get access to clean clothes, transportation to appointments, and food in her belly!” Anderson wrote on her fundraising page.  

Laura Dyke has worked in early childhood education for more than 25 years and wrote on her page that United Way’s Basic Needs Fund helps organizations ensure families have what they need to thrive: “The development of a child’s brain relies on having all of their basic needs provided.  That is why it is essential that every family have the support needed to provide for their family.”  

Hannah Giere is hoping to make a small difference for someone who just needs a little support: “We're all in the same storm, but we're not all in the same boat. I think we're all feeling the pinch – from rising grocery store prices to rising gas prices. And for some of our neighbors, it puts them further away from everyday security than they were before.” 

Last year’s rappelers raised more than $196,000. You can help this year’s participants top that amount by donating to an individual or team. Find the individual donor pages here and the teams pages here.