Want to rappel off a 5-story building? Modesto nonprofit fundraiser gives you the chance

Lynn and Ron Dickerson drove together silently from Modesto to downtown Stockton in late October 2016. The nervousness about what they’d been preparing for didn’t hit them until the morning of — when they stepped off a 12-story building.

“The hardest part is that first step,” said Lynn. “That’s the scariest part.”

She compared it to skydiving, that moment when you have to step out of the plane. “You can stare at the door all day long, but until you take that first step, you have to grit your teeth, close your eyes, and say, OK, I gotta do this, where’s my courage?” she said.

When the Dickersons rappelled down the side of the Stockton Medico-Dental Tower all those years back, they were participating in Over the Edge, a fundraiser for Modesto’s Community Hospice Foundation. This year, the event is being held in Modesto to benefit LearningQuest — Stanislaus Literacy Centers.

The Modesto-based educational nonprofit is hosting Over the Edge on Oct. 12 at the five-story building at 1524 McHenry Ave. Its name is the Fifteen24 Professional Center, but it’s commonly known as the black glass building. The first descent begins at 8 a.m., and the event runs throughout the day. Over half of the 100 rappelling spots already have been filled, at $1,000 apiece.

Over the Edge has offered urban rappelling fundraisers to nonprofit organizations worldwide for two decades. “They’re experienced at rappelling; they have a 100% safety record,” said Michelle Jasper, director of development and communication for LearningQuest.

When sorting through fundraising opportunities, Over the Edge immediately stood out. “In the Valley, there’s lots of galas, there’s lots of wine and cheese, and there’s lots of car shows, but it’s not every day somebody rappels down a building,” said Jasper.

LearningQuest has volunteers who will guide participants to the roof. They’ll be met by Over the Edge staff who will review safety measures, equip participants with harnesses and send them down in pairs.

There will be fun on solid ground, too

On the ground, a “culture fest” will be held. “We have a Liquid Cove, which is all our local breweries and wineries that are gonna come, they’re donating their products,” Jasper said. “We also have Fiscalini cheese, a meat and sausage booth, and a taco booth.” Liquid Cove tickets are $50, including food, drinks, and an iHeart Radio DJ booth. There will also be a Kids Cove, where characters such as Spider-Man, Batman and Kylo Ren will be in attendance.

“I have been in philanthropy for 20 years, I’ve done hundreds of events, and I’ve never done something like this,” said Jasper.

LearningQuest provides educational aid, focusing on adults. It offers programs such as English as a second language, the high school equivalency diploma, college and career guidance, and more.

“The goal of the organization is why I’m doing it because, without literacy, you’re in trouble,” said Bruce Valentine, 79-year-old retired family dentist in Modesto, who’s signed up for Over the Edge. Valentine has been involved in the Modesto community for decades, including being a board member for Community Hospice for over a decade.

He has rock-climbed throughout his life and even rappelled off some cliffs in the past. But the butterflies don’t seem to go away no matter how often you take that first step, he said.

“When you stand at the edge, I have a slight fear factor within my gut,” he said. “But I intellectually tell myself, you can do this, and I do it.”

How you can participate

Those who wish to participate can sign up by creating a fundraising page here . It is free to register, and there is no age limit. Those under 18 need a parental signature on the legal waiver. In order to safely rappel, people must be between 100 and 300 pounds. No prior experience rappelling is necessary.