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You've Got Questions, We've Got Answers! 

Below are common questions about Over The Edge that will help you feel more comfortable about rappelling for a cause with us. If you don't see the answer to your question or need more help, please contact our Event Director, Brett Curtis, at (202) 599-4626 or bcurtis@some.org.

Is this really a rappelling event?

Yes! Our participants are registering to truly go Over The Edge - you'll have the chance to rappel over 100 feet from the top of the historic Washington Hilton DC! Our team will train you and show you the ropes (pun intended) to make sure you are safe and comfortable before you take your spot. Whether you've always wanted to try rappelling or are a seasoned pro, this is truly one of DC's most unique events given the view, venue & organization you are supporting.

Is there a minimum age to rappel?

No, but minors under 18 must have their waiver signed by a consenting parent or guardian.

Are there weight restrictions to rappel?

Yes, participants must be between 100-300 pounds to safely fit into the harness equipment.

 

Is Over The Edge safe?

Absolutely! Every Over The Edge event is set up as an industrial worksite and is compliant with all federal and state OSHA Fall Protection Standards and OSHA Federal and State Laws. Their policies and procedures adhere to the best practices identified by IRATA (Industrial Rope Access Trade Association) counsel.

 

All members of the Over The Edge technical team are IRATA and SPRAT certified industrial rope access technicians. Our rope volunteers assisting at ground level are also specifically trained on rope rescue and safety.

 

The Over The Edge technical team regularly orders new ropes. They are inspected by qualified technical staff at the start and end of each event. During the event, safety checks are performed for each person before they rappel, and every 2 1/2 hours the event will take a brief pause for the team to re-inspect all of the rigging. To read more about safety, visit the Over The Edge site: https://overtheedgeglobal.com/urban-rappelling/safety/

 

Do I get to practice before the big rappel?

Yes! On your way up, you will have the opportunity to practice before you go Over The Edge. This training and practice session will help you get used to the harness, rappel device and technique for descending the building!

 

Will I have a scheduled time to go Over The Edge?

Yes, we will give you a time period (within an hour) in which your rappel will take place.

 

Is fundraising required?

Yes, in order to be able to go Over The Edge you must donate or raise at least $1,500. There is also a VIP fundraising level of $3,000 that includes additional VIP perks + swag. Your registration fee counts as the first donation to reach your goal. Each participant will receive their own customizable fundraising page, templates, tools, and professional fundraising support to hit their goal. If you have any questions or are concerned about hitting your goal, just ask us!

Tell me more about the fundraising commitment, registering, and what swag I can earn!

We have a handy graphic to explain all of the details! If you still have questions, please reach out to our team at overtheedge@some.org.

What's this about tossing my boss?

Does your boss drive you Over The Edge?! We can help! Check out this graphic for more details on how you can earn the right to toss your boss Over The Edge - all while supporting a great cause! What better way to engage your employees and the entire organization than bringing the office together to show your boss who's really the boss.

 

Will COVID-19 affect the event?

Over The Edge has developed a detailed plan on the safe execution of OTE events should group gathering and social distancing restrictions remain in place. We are considering everything from hand washing stations to floor markers indicating 6’ distances, sanitizing products, disposable gloves and masks, right through to potential temperature checks upon arrival. Participants will be given more details on the COVID specific safety protocols closer to the event date.

Have you hosted Over The Edge before?

Over The Edge has hosted thousands of safe & successful events throughout the country and within the DMV region. 2022 is the first year that SOME is partnering with Over The Edge, and we are excited to bring an urban rappelling event back into the District for the first time since 2015!

 

Who does the event support? What is SOME?

SOME (So Others Might Eat) is an interfaith, community-based service organization that exists to help and support residents of our nation’s capital experiencing homelessness and poverty. SOME offers a variety of services, including affordable housing, counseling, substance use disorder treatment, and job training. In addition, SOME helps meet immediate daily needs by providing food, clothing, and healthcare to those in need.

 

You can learn more about our work by visiting: www.some.org/about

 

Are donations tax-deductible?

Yes! SOME is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization. Our Tax ID is 23-7098123. Your donation is 100% tax-deductible and you can support our work with trust and confidence that your support goes directly to our mission: More than 91 cents of every dollar raised is invested directly in our community.

 

SOME has been named a Four-Star Charity by Charity Navigator for the past 15 consecutive years, and was also the first non-profit recipient of the National Capital Business Ethics Award. SOME has also been awarded the prestigious GuideStar 2022 Platinum Seal of Transparency for our commitment to transparency and mission execution in a financially efficient way.

 

For more information about SOME, please visit www.some.org or contact Brett Curtis at (202) 599-4626 or bcurtis@some.org.

A few additional things to mention: