Events

Q2 goes 'Over the Edge' for Special Olympics MT, and you can too!

Posted: Aug 23, 2012 7:28 AM by Angela Douglas - Q2 News
Updated: Aug 23, 2012 7:28 AM

BILLINGS - It's a unique and rare opportunity to rappel 19 stories from the state's tallest building, but this week in Billings the experience can be yours.

For the second year in a row Special Olympics Montana is holding its Over the Edge fundraiser and First Interstate Bank is the host.

"There's not too many CEOs of businesses that would even consider doing this," stated SOMT President Bob Norbie. "I will tell you, Ed Garding didn't hesitate for a moment when invited. He said, 'I'm in.'"

It's a courageous move for someone whose never attempted anything like it, but for the CEO of First Interstate Bank, the thought didn't even phase him.

"I've watched all the Rambo movies, so I think I've got it down," Garding said with a chuckle.

Luckily, with the wisdom of Rambo and the expertise of Over the Edge, a company that specializes in creating unique fundraising events, Garding is well equipped to harness his courage and go over the edge.

Before they step of the ledge, Garding presented Norbie with a $1,000 check. The first check turned in for this year's fundraiser.

Norbie and Garding are encouraged by a crowd below and soon enough they've rappelled all the way to down to the ground, but their spirit was a little higher.

With the men on the ground, it was time for the Q2 ladies, Jeanelle Slade, Callie Eike and I, to gear up and go over the edge.

Jeanelle is a bit weary of heights and expressed some concern as we stepped onto the ledge. Soon enough though, she became quite the speed demon. In fact, our rappelling device stops us if we go too fast and that happened a few times with Mrs. Slade.

For me, my favorite part is waving to all the people on the inside we pass by their window.

After a few minutes Jeanelle and I have descended the 265 foot building and are back on solid ground.

Next up: Callie.

Callie was a bit nervous, but she too prevailed. She harnessed her courage and had a successful over the edge experience.

Over the Edge attracted 83 people this year to raise a minimum of $1,000 to participate in the event. That's a big increase from the first year, when about 50 participated.

And good news! There's still time to sign-up, if you have $1,000 to donate to SOMT. Contact Leslie Moyar at 406-564-2072.

The event takes place on Thursday, August 23.

The funds raised help provide opportunities for the 2,000 Special Olympics Montana athletes to train and compete in sports.

This year's Over the Edge goal is $100,000.