United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore Sets Record for Over the Edge for ALICE®

United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore (UWLES) held their 2^nd Annual Over the Edge for ALICE® event on May 8th at The Ross in Downtown Salisbury. This exhilarating fundraiser gave brave participants the opportunity to safely rappel down The Ross after raising funds to promote awareness and support our Lower Shore neighbors who are working hard but struggle each month to afford basic needs.  This energetic event was presented by UWLES in partnership with Over the Edge USA, The Ross, City of Salisbury, Downtown Salisbury, Perdue Farms, First Shore Federal, PAC14, D3 and WMDT 47abc.

56 adventurers, who each raised or sponsored $1,100 or more, rappelled down all 14 stories of The Ross.  Last year’s inaugural event raised $97,000 and this year the agency’s goal was beat again, raising over $112,000 to date.  The day was filled with crowds who came to support and cheer on the brave rappelers.  Students from the Wicomico High School drum line and cheerleaders rallied the crowd to support four leaders from Wicomico Public Schools on their rappels – Dr. Bryan Raygor, Dr. Nikki Blake, Mr. Kimandi Binns and Mr. Dave Harris – who were the top fundraising team with over $8,200 in donations.

“We can’t thank the community enough for participating, donating and cheering on our brave rappelers.  Nearly half of local households live on the edge of each month. They’re working hard or have fixed incomes but simply can’t achieve regular stability, and getting ahead is even further out of reach.  The costs of basics – housing, food, childcare, for instance – far outpace most wages – and many families fall in the gap of qualifying for help.  Raising awareness and opening more doors for ALICE is important. Every dollar raised stays local to help more neighbors thrive, which creates a stronger community for everyone,” shared Pam Gregory, UWLES President and CEO.

Gregory, alongside UWLES Board Chair Mary Mengason, were the first rappelers to start off the event. Many of the brave participants were beaming with pride and smiles when they landed, sharing with media partners why they went Over the Edge for ALICE and many saying not only how much fun it was, but that they would do it again!

“The Ross team was truly honored to host United Way of the Lower Eastern Shore and their incredible partners at this spring’s second annual Over the Edge fundraiser,” shared Tricia Beisler of The Ross ownership team. “Watching community members have a blast and overcome their fears rappelling down the side of our 14-story building was truly inspiring— a feeling that was only exceeded by the joy and gratitude that the effort raised over $112,000 to help local families meet their basic needs.  Community is at the heart of everything we do at The Ross, and we are counting down the days until May 21st, 2027.  We can’t wait to go Over the Edge again and build on the continuing success of this fun, impactful event to further support our neighbors, families and friends.”

The event was co-emceed by Roger Follebout and Randy Scott, who kept the crowd engaged as rappelers took the challenge.  Ranging in ages 21 – 81, individuals or teams representing companies, including from United Way agency partners, took the challenge.  Wawa helped fuel dozens of awesome volunteers, and Dinner Express catered the pre-event VIP reception. In addition to watching rappelers come down The Ross, spectators could visit with local nonprofit resources, play street games and interact with mascots from Salisbury University, University of Maryland Eastern Shore and Wor-Wic Community College.  The interactive Let’s Rallie app helped anyone engage and follow the rappelers via live stream by PAC14 and encouraged attendees to support on-site food trucks and Downtown Salisbury businesses.

Derek Jarmon, Economic Development Manager with the City of Salisbury’s Department of Arts, Business & Culture, not only was a brave rappeler, but also shared how working together builds communities. “Partnerships like Over the Edge are exactly what move Downtown Salisbury forward—they bring people together around a shared experience, strengthen connections with local businesses, and demonstrate how collaborative events can create lasting momentum and pride for the City and its downtown,”

UWLES thanks all volunteers, partners, sponsors, and the amazing rappelers and donors for the outpouring of support.  Special appreciation goes to The Ross, the City of Salisbury, Salisbury Police Department, and Over the EDGE USA for ensuring a safe, family-friendly event was enjoyed by all.

A video compilation of the experience is available on YouTube @pac14 or @UnitedWayLES.   Over the Edge for ALICE will return next year during Third Friday, May 21, 2027.  Follow UWLES’ socials or check uwles.org/over-edge-alice to donate or for information on becoming a rappeler or supporting next year’s event.