Young Professionals Can Go Over the Edge for Their Community

July 16, 2013

Young Professionals Can Go ‘Over the Edge’ for their Community

Young professionals and other supporters of the Tulsa Area United Way can stand up for their community and go “Over the Edge” of a 20-story tower on Friday, Oct. 4.

The “Over the Edge” event will formally launch the Tulsa Area United Way’s new Emerging Leaders Society, an organization for young professionals in their 20s, 30s and 40s.

The opportunity to rappel over the edge of the Warren Place tower at 61st St. and Yale Ave. will be available to the first 66 individuals who pledge or raise at least $1,000 for the Tulsa Area United Way. Participants do not need experience in rappelling.

Those who pledge or raise that amount can apply it toward membership in the Emerging Leaders Society, although the event is open to people of all ages. All proceeds will benefit the Tulsa Area United Way.

This will be the first time that a United Way in the U.S. has utilized the Over the Edge concept as part of its annual campaign.

“This unique opportunity has spawned many fundraising challenges, including employee groups who are raising money to encourage their bosses to go over the edge,” said Mark R. Graham, President and CEO of the Tulsa Area United Way.

Community leaders and media personalities will go over the edge on a special media day on Thursday, Oct. 3.

Participants will receive training prior to being fitted with state-of-the-art rappelling equipment.

“The process of going over the edge is safe and closely monitored by highly trained experts in rappelling,” said Karisha Wagoner, the first chair of the Emerging Leaders Society.

The event will be coordinated by Over the Edge, a special events company that provides unique fundraising opportunities for non-profit organizations across North America. Over the Edge is responsible for all technical aspects of the event including insurance, professional staff and rappelling equipment. The organization’s goal is to help non-profit organizations raise $50 million in 10 years.

Local sponsors include the United Way’s Emerging Leaders Society, Rosemont Realty and James E. McNellie’s Public House.

New and prospective members of the Emerging Leaders Society are invited to register to go over the edge at a “Liquid Courage” event to be held at 5:30 p.m.Tuesday, Aug. 20, at McNellie’s new South Tulsa location at 7031 S. Zurich Ave. (near 71st St. and Yale Ave.)

Those interested in going over the edge or joining the Emerging Leaders Society may register on the United Way’s web site at or by calling 918-295-6660.A $100 deposit will be due at the time of registration, with the balance due by Sept. 15.

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