Over The Edge for the Richmond SPCA surpasses goals, raising more than $100,000
Posted on Friday, September 30, 2022
As the first rappeler going Over The Edge on Friday, September 23, BlackLiq said it was, "for the Kitty Thugs." The recording artist, MC and radio host cares for community cats, and the services BlackLiq and his mom have received through the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital motivated him to be part of the event. | photo by Dave Parrish Photography
Last weekend 84 supporters took their love of animals to new heights by rappelling 20 stories down the side of the Thomas F. Farrell II Building. In its second year, Over The Edge for the Richmond SPCA raised more than $100,000 for the cause of creating a more compassionate community for companion animals. These funds will support transports from municipal animal shelters, delivery of low-cost care at the Susan M. Markel Veterinary Hospital, sterilizations at Smoky’s Spay & Neuter Clinic and much more.
Participants secured their place on the roof of the Dominion Energy skyscraper in downtown Richmond by meeting a fundraising goal of at least $1,000. Many of the friends, family members and colleagues who helped them reach their goals were also waiting in our Rappeler Celebration Zone, cheering them on as they descended 335 feet and welcoming them back to the ground on S. 6th Street.
Holly Camp hugs a friend after rappelling for TikTok creator goodgollymisterolly. | Photo by Richmond SPCA StaffCo-workers from Henrico Public Schools transportation zone 1 celebrate their friend and colleague William Manns. | Photo by Richmond SPCA StaffFrom the corner of Canal and 6th Street, onlookers gaze up in awe at rappellers dangling from the side of the Dominion Energy building. | Photo by Dave Pearson PhotographyChris Witherspoon raises his arms in victory after completing Over The Edge for the Richmond SPCA. | Photo by Richmond SPCA StaffMargaret Doyle embraces her wife Sue after completing her second rappel down the Dominion Energy building in two years. | Photo by Macy MannDogs are not only welcome in the celebration zone, they are crucial reminder of why their guardians support the cause. | Photo by Richmond SPCA StaffCynthia Skala, dressed as a gorilla, is assisted by ropes volunteer Erin Tidsworth. Cynthia and Erin both work in the Richmond SPCA’s advancement department. | Photo by Rich TerrellBob Blue’s wife Liz and their adopted beagle Lemon greet him in the landing zone after cheering him on during his 335-foot rappel down the Thomas F Farrell II building. | Photo by Rich TerrellJeannie Arnold hugs a friend who came to cheer for her rappel. | Photo by Rich Terrell
Dominion Energy presented the event and hosted it at their beautiful office building with incredible views of the Richmond skyline. But the company’s support didn’t stop there! A total of 10 Dominion Energy employees completed the rappel, including President and CEO Bob Blue. They weren’t the only company to “Toss Your Boss.” Holiday Barn Pet Resorts and Bent Ear Solutions (BES) each had executives meet the challenge. Our own Richmond SPCA staff had the top fundraising team and sent eight rappelers Over The Edge, representing adoptions, transfers, advancement and people operations.
Michael Hughes and Dickie Martinson of Holiday Barn Pet Resorts dangle many stories above 6th Street in downtown Richmond. | Photo by Macy MannChristina Mosser, director of consulting for BES, rappelling on Saturday, September 24. | Photo by Jamie Jamie Wulfekuhle-Zaweski of Radiant SnapshotsHoliday Barn Pet Resorts’ Leader of the Pack Michael Hughes pauses at the start of his rappel. | Photo by Dave Parrish PhotographyExtraordinary event planners Gray Miller (left) and Janae Jones (left) celebrate with their colleague Cynthia Skala (center). | Photo by Dave Pearson PhotographyDickie Martinson, a professional dog trainer at Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, stepped up to rappel when a colleague who planned to go Over The Edge became ill. | Photo by Dave Parrish PhotographyNicole Harrig, coordinator of transfers for the Richmond SPCA, looks back up to the roof as she descends the face of the building. | Photo by Wendy SprinkleKeith Windle, Dani Adkins and Bob Blue, all from Dominion Energy, take a photo with with Dave Kolmer and DJ Benway in the Staging Area, sponsored by The London Company, before heading to the roof. | Photo by Moose MusatowKatie Virgin, pack resources person for Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, is one of the company’s three bosses to be tossed Over The Edge through their fundraising. | Photo by Dave Parrish Photography
Some said they were confronting fears while others were checking off a bucket list item they had always hoped for, and those moments of trepidation, awe and anticipation were captured by a great group of photographers. Their photos are generously available to download and share. Please credit the photographer in your posts.
Before heading to the roof, our rappellers were invited to share messages on a white board in the staging area, sponsored by The London Company. The board, decorated by artwork from Sheon Mallory, who works in our animal care and internal veterinary services departments, carried many messages of motivation along with the names of pets in whose honor or memory our brave animal lovers stepped up to the ropes.
Tabitha and Rous
Tabitha Treloar joined the Richmond SPCA in 2005 as an admissions counselor and has been our director of communications since 2010. She and her husband live in Richmond with four Richmond SPCA alumni – two cats and two dogs.
