United Way of Cumberland County announced its next initiative — an “Over the Edge” fundraiser — on Tuesday evening as the organization celebrated its leadership givers at Studio 215 in downtown Fayetteville.
The leadership, or marquee givers, are those who have donated at least $1,000 or more on an annual basis to United Way. Because of COVID-19, this marked the first leadership giver salute social since 2019.
“It’s something different and for a good cause,” Amy Navejas, president of the United Way of Cumberland County, said of the planned fundraiser before the program portion of the United Way Marquis Social got underway.
Guest speakers included local businessman Ralph Huff, who spoke of the personal benefits and reasons for giving back to the community; Tina Marshall, who gave her testimony regarding the help she has received from Better Health for diabetes; and Jane Fields, the chairwoman of the United Way board.
Carolyn Justice-Hinson, a longtime donor, member of the United Way board and spokeswoman for Fayetteville PWC, made the presentation on the distinctly thinking-outside-the-box fundraiser.
On March 10 and 11, United Way will host the “Over the Edge” rappelling event “that provides a life-changing experience to participants, while making a huge positive impact to raise funds that will improve the quality of lives in Cumberland County at the Cape Fear Valley Medical Arts Building in downtown Fayetteville,” promotional materials state.
The building is at the corner of Robeson and Hay streets, across from the Airborne & Special Operations Museum.
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Justice-Hinson said there have been a lot of changes since she became involved in United Way’s impact in the community.
“With United Way,” she added, “it’s really important that we continue to evolve with those changes.
“If we’re going to continue to raise money for this community and for these organizations – our corporate agencies doing all the great work – it’s important that we change a little bit, too,” Justice-Hinson said. “I think we all agree – change is challenging. It’s a little risky. It takes some courage. It definitely takes some courage. You really have to be adventurous.”
Justice-Hinson said she hopes that everyone will step up and show "that can-do spirit" by signing up to rappel, be a sponsor or volunteer for “Over the Edge.”
“OK, show of hands. Who’s ready to go over the edge?” she appealed to the crowd of roughly 100 people. “Tonight, we invite you to step up ... and go over the edge for our community.
“As you saw, ‘Over the Edge’ is a very unique fundraiser,’’ Justice-Hinson said.”It allows the adventurous thrill seekers to raise money for United Way for the opportunity to rappel down a building.”
For more information, reach out to Melissa Reid at 910-483-1179, ext. 228, or online at melissarfeid@unitedway-cc.org.
