Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get the chance to rappel?
Register to be a rappeller, and you’ll get set up immediately with a personal fundraising page. Raise $1,000 for the Richmond SPCA, and you’ll be rewarded with a 335-foot rappel down the side of the Thomas F. Farrell II Building in downtown RVA!

Who can rappel?
Almost anyone who can raise $1,000 by September 24, 2022! Rappellers must weigh between 100 and 300 pounds to ensure their safety while rappelling. People in their 80s and 90s rappel! The only restriction is that anyone under the age of 18 requires a parent or guardian’s signature on the legal waiver.

Where do the funds go?
All proceeds raised from Over The Edge benefit the lifesaving programs and services provided by the Richmond SPCA. 

Homeless pets are kept safe in our care and many receive lifesaving medical treatment before their adoptions. In our veterinary hospital, we offer essential veterinary treatment at an affordable cost for pets who belong to families of modest means. We deliver humane education to children and adults, encouraging compassion for all creatures.

You’re saying I can toss my boss?!
With your coworkers’ support, we’d love to see your boss up on the roof! Raise $2,500 to toss your boss Over The Edge, and your company will receive sponsorship benefits and your boss will get the experience of a lifetime!

When will I rappel?
Friday, September 23 is reserved for members of the media and sponsors, and all other rappellers will go Over The Edge on Saturday, September 24, 2022. Once you get close to your fundraising goal, we’ll reach out to you to schedule what time you’ll be rappelling. Your assigned rappel report time will end up being about an hour-ish before the time when you actually go Over The Edge.

I’ve never rappelled before. Can I participate?
Absolutely! Our technicians will provide all of the training and support you’ll need to go Over The Edge. You’ll even get to practice up on the roof before you begin your 20-story rappel!

Can I wear a costume?
Yes! Our on-site technical team will do their best to make your costume work for your rappel. The technical team has the final say in whether your costume is safe. Stringy, loose or excessive costumes should be avoided. Capes should be avoided. Head pieces that will not accommodate a helmet, obscure your vision or are notably large or heavy will not be allowed.

How can my friends watch me?
Friends and family are welcome to watch you from below! They may bring their own folding chairs or blankets to sit on 6th Street, which will be closed for the duration of the event. While parking is provided for rappellers and volunteers, we ask that spectators either ride with you or find their own street parking.

What are the precautions and policies related to COVID-19?
Masks will be OPTIONAL for Over The Edge volunteers, participants, spectators and staff. We will have a supply available at rappeller registration if you would like to mask.

We ask that you do not participate as a rappeller or visit our Rappeller Celebration Zone if you are experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, including a fever of 100.4° or higher, a sore throat and/or a loss of taste and smell, or if you have had a positive COVID-19 test within the past 5 days. If you have had a positive COVID-19 test within the past 10 days, we require that you wear a mask.

Can I take a selfie at the top of the Thomas F. Farrell II Building.?
Personal cell phones are not allowed on the rooftop. However, have no fear! (Well, never mind. You will be 20 stories up!) We’ll have amazing photographers stationed both on the rooftop and in the landing zone to capture your brave feat, and photos will be shared with all rappellers following the event.

Can I wear a GoPro?
Yes! If you’d like to wear your own GoPro, please alert our team by email or call us at 804-521-1309 so we can be prepared to attach your GoPro to your helmet when you’re getting fitted with your harness. We are not in a position to provide GoPros, but if you have your own, we’d be happy to attach it for you for your rappel!

Can my friend film my rappel with a drone?
All drones must be kept at least 250 ft. away from the building at all times, as to not interfere with the event per Over The Edge’s request.

Can my dog or cat come with me?
While we all love spending time with our pets, Over The Edge is a pretty nerve-wracking event even for people. To ensure your pet’s safety and happiness, we’ll only be opening registration to human rappellers.

If you don’t raise $1,000 by September 24, our pets will still benefit from your lifesaving work to raise funds in support of them! All donations are final and refunds will not be issued if you do not hit the $1,000 fundraising goal required to go Over The Edge.