8-31-2026 10:05am

Friends In Deed Takes Fundraising to New Heights with Over the Edge 2026

April Davis Editor

Friends In Deed Takes Fundraising to New Heights with Over the Edge 2026

Annual community fundraiser returns to Eastern Michigan University’s Hill Hall on September 12, bringing three local nonprofits together to raise $100,000

YPSILANTI, Mich. — August 31, 2026 — On Saturday, September 12, Friends In Deed will take fundraising to new heights—literally—as Over the Edge 2026 returns to Eastern Michigan University’s Hill Hall.

Beginning at 9 a.m., community members will rappel down the side of Hill Hall while raising money to support local nonprofit organizations and the people they serve. This year, Friends In Deed is partnering with Educate Youth and Hands Across the Water, bringing three community-focused organizations together for a day of courage, connection, and collective impact.

Over the Edge is more than a chance to rappel down a building. It is an opportunity for community members to come together, learn about local organizations, support their neighbors, and have a little fun while making a meaningful difference. This year’s event has a $100,000 fundraising goal.

“Over the Edge is one of those events where you can see community in action,” said R. Tyrone Kelsey, Interim Executive Director of Friends In Deed. “People are literally stepping outside of their comfort zones to support their neighbors. And when organizations come together like this, we can reach even more people and create an even greater impact.”

Three Nonprofits. One Community.

This year’s Over the Edge event highlights the power of partnership by bringing together Friends In Deed, Educate Youth, and Hands Across the Water.

Friends In Deed has served Washtenaw County since 1983, helping people experiencing financial hardship address immediate needs while creating pathways toward greater economic mobility. Through essential services, financial assistance, furniture assistance, and Circles Washtenaw County, Friends In Deed works alongside individuals and families to help them move forward.

Educate Youth guides and encourages Ypsilanti teens to earn their high school diplomas while developing a two-year post-high school plan and a goal of becoming future leaders who will strengthen and drive change in their community.

Hands Across the Water has supported children and families for more than 25 years through foster care licensing and case management, adoption, kinship care, family reunification, and behavioral health services. At the heart of HATW’s work is the belief that every child is valued and deserves a safe home and loving family where they can thrive.

While each organization serves the community in different ways, Over the Edge provides a shared opportunity to bring supporters together around a common belief: when we uplift our neighbors, we uplift the entire community.

“Partnership is essential to the work we all do,” said Elisa Guyton, Director of Development & Communications at Friends In Deed. “Our organizations may have different missions and serve people in different ways, but we share a commitment to strengthening our community. Over the Edge gives us a really fun way to bring those communities together—and hopefully convince a few brave people to step off a roof while they’re at it.”

Take the Leap

Community members can participate in Over the Edge in several ways. Those who are ready to take the leap can register to rappel and fundraise for a participating nonprofit. Others can support a participant with a donation, volunteer during the event, become a sponsor, or simply come to Hill Hall to cheer on the rappellers and connect with local organizations.

Participants must meet the event’s eligibility requirements, including a weight range of 100–300 pounds.

The rappels will take place throughout the day, with the event beginning at 9 a.m. and wrapping up by approximately 5 p.m.

The event will also feature community resource organizations and opportunities for attendees to learn more about local nonprofits and services.

The excitement begins early with a special VIP Rappel on Friday, September 11, from 4–7 p.m. The evening will give invited community leaders, sponsors, media, and special guests an opportunity to experience Over the Edge before the main event on Saturday. Media interested in covering the VIP Rappel can contact Friends In Deed to arrange access and interviews.

Event Details

What: Over the Edge 2026

VIP Rappel: Friday, September 11, 4–7 p.m.

Main Event: Saturday, September 12, 9 a.m.–5 p.m.

Where: Courtyard at Eastern Michigan University’s Hill Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan Fundraising Goal: $100,000

Members of the media are invited to attend and capture the action throughout the day. Interviews with Friends In Deed representatives, nonprofit partners, participants, and community members can be arranged.

To learn more about Over the Edge, register to participate, support a fundraiser, volunteer, or learn about sponsorship opportunities, visit www.friendsindeedmi.org or contact Friends In Deed directly.

About Friends In Deed

Founded in 1983, Friends In Deed is a Washtenaw County nonprofit whose mission is helping people in need and building community to end poverty. Through essential services, financial assistance, furniture assistance, and Circles Washtenaw County, Friends In Deed works alongside individuals and families experiencing financial hardship to address immediate needs and create pathways toward economic mobility.

Media Contact:

Elisa Guyton

Director of Development & Communications

Friends In Deed

elisa@friendsindeedmi.org | (734) 519-5219

www.friendsindeedmi.org