It's Over the Edge Week!
The final countdown is on, and we hope you’re as excited as we are to get to The Clubhouse on Baltimore for Over the Edge 2010. Once again, we can’t thank you enough for the dedication you have shown toward our athletes – not only in committing to such an incredible challenge, but also in raising much needed support and awareness for our program.
Below are some final reminders and notes before you get to The Clubhouse this week. As always, you are welcome to contact Jeremie at the Special Olympics office (913.789.0330; ballinger@somo.org) or you can reach us on-site at The Clubhouse on Baltimore at 816.308.7169. Thank you again for your time and efforts – we’ll see you soon!
WHAT TO EXPECT
Here you will find a guide from our friends at Over the Edge about what to expect, for the first-time rappellers in the crowd. As for what will happen when you arrive at The Clubhouse on Baltimore:
One hour prior to rappel time –
- You arrive at The Clubhouse on Baltimore (1228 Baltimore, KCMO 64105). Look for the Special Olympics valets – they will be wearing Over the Edge shirts and will be glad to park your car free of charge. After all, you have enough things to worry about – a parking space shouldn’t be one of them!
- Entering the building –
Step up to the SOMO table in the front lobby. You’ll check in, sign the all-important liability waiver and turn in any donations you might have. You will then be directed to the OTE Staging Area, where you will receive a brief orientation about the event and the equipment you will use.
- Going up…and coming down -
Once you’ve become acquainted with the equipment and orientation is complete, you’ll complete a one-story training rappel before taking the elevator to the 15th floor to officially go Over the Edge!
- Once you hit rock bottom –
After you have safely made it 15 stories down to the sidewalk on 13th or Baltimore, our staff will escort you back inside to turn in your rappel equipment, collect your things, and celebrate!
WHAT IF I DON’T HAVE MY $1000 MINIMUM YET?
First, keep working at it! Give your friends, family and co-workers another reminder that you’re fan enough to go Over the Edge, and that they should support you! Don’t forget to reach out beyond your normal circle of close friends – send a message to all of your e-mail contacts, your Facebook friends…everyone!
If you are still a bit short on event day, come to the event! We do expect all participants to raise the minimum commitment, but we can work with you to collect the rest after the event. Some friends may need proof of your rappel before they’ll give. We’ll make sure to get pictures and witnesses so you can send out the proof they need to give. We’ll make sure you don’t miss that $1000 for lack of effort!
CAN FRIENDS AND FAMILY COME WITH ME?
Of course! They are more than welcome at The Clubhouse. However, only participants are allowed on the roof or balcony. Once you’ve checked in, family and friends should find a good viewing area outside so they can see you go Over the Edge!
WILL I BE ON TV OR IN THE NEWSPAPER?
It’s possible! Over the Edge is a very visual event, and therefore a great media opportunity. We encourage you to call your local paper / radio / TV station and ask them to attend. We’ll also encourage them to contact you – we want your entire hometown to know what a great thing you’re doing! Please contact us if you’ve been approached by the media, or if you have any questions that we can help answer.
WHERE IS THE MONEY GOING AGAIN?
All funds from Over the Edge stay in Kansas City, and support more than 2,100 athletes in the KC Metro Area. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and competition at no cost to our athletes or their families. This is done because of the amazing support we receive through donations and especially events such as Over the Edge!
CAN I GET INVOLVED WITH SPECIAL OLYMPICS?
YES! Please don’t let this be the only time we see you. Our athletes would love the chance to thank you personally for all you’ve done to make training and competition possible for them. Visit www.somo.org and check out the KC Metro page to see a calendar of our upcoming competitions – we’d love to see you on October 9-10 for area bowling or October 16 for flag football. We always needs great volunteers and fans at our events, or you can contact us to help us organize the events for our athletes!
Are you fan enough? Go Over the Edge for SOMO! 
If you are a fan of courage and thrills, then we know you are fan enough to go Over the Edge for our athletes. For the second year, we are offering this exhilarating opportunity to rappel down from The Clubhouse on Baltimore. You can raise money and your heart rate! Not to mention, you'll know you've helped ensure exciting opportunities for our local athletes to train and compete in sports.
This thrilling event is one of three in Missouri hosted by local law enforcement. Our event is hosted by the Kansas City Police Department and the Missouri National Guard.
Friday, August 27
The Clubhouse on Baltimore
Online registration is closed. Please email us or call if you'd like to sign up. We have a few slots remaining.
How do I know if I'm fan enough?
Over the Edge is open to the first 100 SOMO fans who meet the following criteria:
1. 18 years of age or older by event date.
2. Body weight of 300 pounds or less by event date.
3. Raise a minimum of $1000 by event date.
- The $1000 minimum can be raised by any combination of donations gathered from friends, family or co-workers. You can collect checks and donations from everyone, or just register below and utilize our online fundraising pages - it's the easiest and safest way to $1000!
What's in it for me?
You mean, besides the adrenaline rush? And knowing that you made life better for thousands of Missouri athletes? And a great story to share with everyone whose fanhood isn't as big as yours? We're glad you asked! For your time and dedication to SOMO, we're glad to offer:
- Official SOMO Over the Edge apparel
- A commemmorative photo of your rappel
- Free admission for you and your guest to our official OTE post-party / reception
- You will be eligible for outstanding incentives and prizes! We will offer great rewards to top fundraisers and top recruiters, such as our grand prize.
What is the grand prize?
This year's prize: For every $1,000 you raise over the minimum you will be entered for another chance to rappel in beautiful Hawaii! When you raise and turn in $2,000 – your name will be entered one time to win. Raise $3,000 and be entered twice. The more you raise the more times you will be entered. One statewide winner will be our guest at the Special Olympics Hawaii Over the Edge event on Oct. 15, 2010. The event is at the Sheraton Waikiki in Honolulu – click here to see photos from last year’s rappel. Trip includes 3 nights’ lodging, airfare and airport transfer for one fortunate Edger. The last date to qualify is Sept. 24. The winner will be announced on Sept. 25.
Edger Rappel Time Reservation
We know you are working hard to meet the $1,000 Edger minimum. Keep up the great work. Research shows that the more emails you send, the more you will raise. Once you meet the fundraising minimum, you will be contacted by your Over the Edge event planner to schedule your rappel time.
What should I expect while going Over the Edge?
Click here to read about what you should expect from the experience, and how you can prepare to be a SOMO superhero on August 27!
Once you reach the $1,000 minimum raised, you will get to pick your time to rappel. Those who have yet to meet this one week prior will be placed on a waiting list.
I am fan enough and I'm ready to prove it.
How can I go Over the Edge?
It's as easy as 1-2-3:
1. Register for the event. Email us for details.
2. Start raising money today! $1000 is much easier than you think, and there's power in numbers. E-mail all of your friends, family, co-workers and neighbors - you can reach the minimum easily with their help!
3. SOMO will contact you shortly with more information about OTE, including some helpful materials to help you soar above and beyond your fundraising goals.
The event is scheduled from 8:00am to 5:00pm on Friday, August 27 Each participant will receive a pre-assigned time for their rappel. Therefore, you do not need to take the entire day off if don't want to. However, please make sure you come back for the post-event party/reception!
For more information contact Jeremie Ballinger, ballinger@somo.org or 913-789-0332.