Submitted Photo President of the YWCA Board of Directors Keli Anderson took the Over the Edge challenge last year.

YWCA Minot has high fundraising expectations for its Aug. 17 event which itself starts eight stories above the ground.

“This year is going well and we believe we will get 50-75 participants,” said YWCA Executive Director Ashley Boyd. “We’re hoping to raise $75,000, more than we’ve ever fundraised. We have a way to go but we’re optimistic.”

YWCA Minot will be hosting their second annual rappelling fundraiser – Over the Edge YWCA Minot presented by Saul’s and The Tap Room. Through a partnership with Over The Edge Global, participants will be rappelling off the Parker Suites building in downtown Minot to raise funds and awareness for the YWCA Minot.

Funds are raised primarily through participation. Those willing to take the plunge are prompted during registration online to easily create their own fundraising page and collect $1,000 or more in donations.

Last year, Over the Edge attracted over 50 participants and was a “huge success,” Boyd said.

“A lot of people got involved who you wouldn’t have expected,” Boyd said. “We got good support. The number of people willing to jump off an 8-story building is surprising.”

Boyd said that all sorts of prominent figures were involved last year, from local officials to members of the media.

“They’re willing to do it again!” Boyd said.

The event and YWCA Minot are a natural fit, according to Boyd.

“YWCA Minot sees hundreds of women face their fears every year and conquer homelessness. Their strength inspires us to be brave, and work hard to find ways to help them accomplish their goals,” Boyd asserted in a press release. “Over the Edge fits our mission because it is a tribute to the brave women we serve. If they can overcome their fears, then so can we as a community. It is such an empowering feeling to take the first step off of that ledge. I hope that our clients feel that same sense of accomplishment when they leave the shelter.”

Boyd said that all funds raised by YWCA Minot always go back to continue serving the women and children served by the organization.

“We’re the only shelter in Minot that provides (a vast array) of services and support so that women leave with a plan,” she added.

This year’s event has a new component. During the Over the Edge event, there will be a street festival complete with vendors, food trucks, a bounce castle, hotdog eating contest, and go-karts. Boyd said she is trying to bring in a dunk tank as well, but it remains in the works.

Additionally, Over the Edge is timed in conjunction with the Minot Downtown Fall Family Festival.

Over the Edge takes place Saturday, Aug. 17 from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. at The Parker Suites, 21 1st Avenue SE. For more information or to register, visit www.ywcaminot.org/ or call 838-1812.