Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor’s Office Take the Leap for Friends In Deed

Local law enforcement teams up to rappel down EMU’s Hill Hall in support of Over the Edge fundraiser.

YPSILANTI, Mich. September 7, 2026 With just one week to go until Friends In Deed’s Over the Edge 2026 fundraiser, two of Washtenaw County’s public safety offices are stepping up and stepping off the roof to support neighbors in need.

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office are teaming up to host two teams during this year’s Over the Edge event, taking place September 11–12 at Eastern Michigan University’s Hill Hall.

The teams will join community members, nonprofit partners, sponsors, and supporters who are taking on the challenge of rappelling down the side of Hill Hall while raising funds for local nonprofit organizations.

“We’re proud to support Friends In Deed, Over the Edge fundraiser this year!” said Washtenaw County Sheriff Alyshia Dyer. “Catch us rappelling down Hill Hall at Eastern Michigan University September 11–12 to help support neighbors in need.”

The Sheriff added: “Take the leap. Make an impact. Change lives.”

For Friends In Deed, the support from the Sheriff’s Department and Prosecutor’s Office is a powerful example of what community partnership looks like in action.

“We are incredibly grateful to Sheriff Dyer, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Department, and the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office for stepping up in such a big way,” said R. Tyrone Kelsey, Interim Executive Director of Friends In Deed. “Their participation sends a powerful message that supporting our neighbors is something we can all be part of. And we’re especially excited to see who is brave enough to take that first step off the roof!”

One Week Until We Go Over the Edge

Friends In Deed’s Over the Edge fundraiser is working toward a $100,000 fundraising goal to support local nonprofit organizations and the people they serve.

This year’s event brings together Friends In Deed, Educate Youth, and Hands Across the Water, along with community members, businesses, sponsors, volunteers, and supporters.

The event kicks off with a special VIP Rappel on Friday, September 11, from 4–7 p.m., followed by the main Over the Edge event on Saturday, September 12.

Community members can get involved by supporting a participant or team, making a donation, volunteering, or coming to Eastern Michigan University to cheer on the rappellers.

And for those who are still looking for a way to make a difference, there is still time to support the cause.

Take the leap. Make an impact. Change lives.

A Community Effort

Over the Edge would not be possible without the generous support of local businesses and community partners who have stepped up to help make this event a success.

Friends In Deed extends its sincere thanks to Bank of Ann Arbor, our generous event sponsor, as well as Midwest Graphics, Zingerman’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Raising Cane’s, and El Harissa for their generous in-kind contributions and support.

We are also grateful to Ypsilanti Press LLC, our news media sponsor, for helping share the story of Over the Edge and amplify the impact of this community-wide event.

A special thank-you also goes to Eastern Michigan University for welcoming Over the Edge back to Hill Hall and providing the event with a one-of-a-kind setting. We are incredibly grateful for EMU’s partnership and support in making this community event possible.

It takes an entire community to make an event like Over the Edge happen, and we are grateful to every sponsor, partner, volunteer, participant, and donor helping us take fundraising to new heights.

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: Eastern Michigan University’s Hill Hall, Ypsilanti, Michigan

Fundraising Goal: $100,000

Members of the media are invited to attend and capture the action, including the law enforcement teams as they take on the rappel. Interviews with Friends In Deed representatives, community partners, participants, and local leaders can be arranged.

To support Friends In Deed and the Over the Edge fundraiser, visit:

https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/peer-to-peer/over-the-edge--2026

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

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