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Over the Edge is again offering the chance for the brave at heart to jump -- or safely rappel, actually -- off the nine-storied William Hepburn High Rise, to earn money for local non-profits.
It's not too late to register to join the fun of watching the sun set over the city as the event will take place from 3 to 10 p.m. Friday, Sept. 23, at the highrise located at 400 Lycoming St.
Participants need to either pay or raise a minimum of $1,000 to rappel down the building.
"I went over the edge in 2019, during our second event, which was also at the William Hepburn Highrise where we're back again this year," said Greg Hayes, director of the Williamsport Area School District's Education Foundation.
"It was a great experience. For someone who hadn't done something like it before, it was a little nerve-wracking, but once I got past that initial step down the building and got into the groove of the rappel, it became fun and enjoyable," Hayes added.
The event was coordinated by the River Valley Regional YMCA, YWCA Northcentral PA and the Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation.
Jessica Servano, development director at the River Valley Regional YMCA, who has gone over the edge twice, once at this year's site and once at the Genetti, described feelings similar to Hayes -- apprehension followed by exhilaration.
"The experience is both nerve wracking and energizing," said Servano.
"You're so nervous to take that first step over the edge, but once you do, you feel so energized and empowered. You get to conquer your fear of heights to help support the positive work of non-profits in your community," she said.
Organizers said this year's change in format is something they hope will generate new excitement with an opportunity to "descend with the sun."
"Going into planning year five, we wanted to bring some new appeal to the event," Hayes said.
"I think getting the chance to take in a 360-degree view of Williamsport at sunset or at night, especially from this perspective, will lend an added level of appreciation for participating. It also adds a slightly new thrill and feel to the entire event," he added.
"It provides a potential new experience for our participants and community. Creates new views of the city and even some challenges," Servano said.
The nonprofits first banded together in 2018 to bring the event to the city for the first time and have collectively raised more than $275,000 for their organizations through the efforts of more than 265 participants, according to information from the group.
Last year, the event collectively raised $98,532 from among 67 participants and 811 donors.
The partnership between the three organizations allows participants to raise funds for the nonprofit of their choice or to have it divided among all three.
In addition, this year for those who want to keep their feet firmly planted in the ground, at least for now, but still be able to support the local non-profits, the group is raffling off a private plane ride for two. Raffle tickets will be available at the William Hepburn Highrise.
"Now having done it myself, I can tell those who have some apprehension about participating that it's something they'll be glad they've done and challenged themselves to do," Hayes said. "While those rappelling in this event have worked hard to generate funds to support each of our missions, we also believe that, in return, they've worked to earn an experience that has some meaningful value to them," he added.
The event will run in conjunction with a downtown block party being held by the "Over the Edge" title sponsor UPMC, which will provide additional activities for the community. The event begins at 5:30 p.m. on West Fourth St.