Why The Victory Center keeps challenging its community and why the excitement hasn’t faded.
When a nonprofit hosts the same fundraiser for ten years, it’s natural to wonder:
Does it eventually lose its spark?
At The Victory Center in Toledo, Ohio, that question comes up every year.
“Our board has asked, ‘Are we eventually going to reach a point where this gets old?'” says Kimberly Newman, Special Events Manager.
After ten years, the answer has been a resounding no.
If anything, the excitement keeps growing.
More Than Another Gala
Like many nonprofits, The Victory Center already had traditional fundraising events.
A fashion show featuring cancer survivors.
A celebrity waiter night.
Galas.
Silent auctions.
“They’re wonderful events,” Kimberly says. “But they’re also the kinds of events our supporters are already attending for other organizations.”
Over The Edge offered something completely different. Instead of asking guests to buy another ticket or bid on another auction item, it invited people to become part of the experience.
“They’re not just attending an event,” Kimberly says. “They’re doing something incredibly brave.”
Courage Looks Different for Everyone
The Victory Center exists to support anyone facing a cancer diagnosis. Each year, the organization provides more than 12,000 services—from oncology massage and counseling to support groups, yoga, Reiki, art therapy, and free wigs for people experiencing hair loss during treatment. Their mission is simple: offer hope, comfort, and support during one of life’s hardest journeys.
That mission is exactly why Over The Edge fits.
“No one asks for a cancer diagnosis,” Kimberly says. “But the minute you get it, you have to face it.”
Choosing to rappel down a 16-story building becomes a powerful symbol. Some participants are cancer survivors celebrating how far they’ve come. Others rappel in honor of a loved one. Many simply want to stand beside someone going through cancer and say:
You’re not facing this alone.
Yes, They’re Scared
One of the most common questions Kimberly hears is surprisingly simple.
“Is it safe?”
“I love answering that question,” she laughs.
After working with Over The Edge for years, there’s never any hesitation. “The safety team is incredible. We never feel unsure. We know we’re in excellent hands.” But safe doesn’t mean people aren’t nervous. Standing on the edge of a building isn’t something our brains naturally think is a good idea.
And that’s okay.
“You don’t have to be fearless,” Kimberly says.
“You just have to be willing to do it scared.”
By the time participants reach the ground, fear has usually been replaced with something else entirely:
Pride.
Relationships Matter More Than Sponsorships
Ask Kimberly the biggest lesson she’s learned since taking over the event in 2021, and she doesn’t talk about fundraising strategies.
She talks about relationships. “It’s ten times easier to maintain an existing relationship than to create a new one.” That means checking in throughout the year. Sending Christmas cards. Remembering someone’s kids just graduated. Asking how they’re doing before asking for sponsorship support.
“People give to people,” Kimberly says. “The relationship always comes first.”
That philosophy extends beyond sponsors. Annual participants return because they feel connected. Corporate teams come back because someone new wants to take the challenge. Cancer survivors return because the experience means something deeply personal.
Never Stop Evolving
One reason the event has stayed fresh is because The Victory Center refuses to let it become routine.
Some years they’ve expanded the landing zone.
Some years they’ve improved participant gifts.
This year, they actually reduced the number of ropes.
Why?
Exclusivity.
“If people want those after-work time slots, they need to register early.” The urgency creates excitement. Participants stay engaged for months, not just on event day. They’re sharing fundraising updates. Talking about their upcoming rappel. Posting photos afterward.
Even Christmas letters months later often include: “Oh…and I rappelled down a 16-story building this year.”
Why They Keep Coming Back
Corporate sponsors return.
Participants return.
Volunteers return.
And perhaps most importantly…
The stories return.
Employees challenge one another.
Families cheer from below.
Cancer survivors celebrate milestones.
Every year brings new faces, but the same feeling.
“I can’t believe I just did that.”
Kimberly’s Advice
For nonprofits considering their first Over The Edge event, Kimberly offers two pieces of advice.
First:
Don’t assume it has to be huge.
“You don’t need a 40-story building in Hawaii,” she laughs.
“A smaller building, one rope, and a great team can still create an incredible community event.”
Second:
Don’t underestimate what happens when participants become fundraisers.
Instead of carrying the entire fundraising burden yourself, you’re empowering dozens of passionate supporters to tell your story, rally their communities, and invite others to be part of your mission.
“It’s one of my favorite parts,” Kimberly says.
“We’re not driving the fundraising. We’re encouraging people while they accomplish something they never thought they could.”
Ten Years In and Still Climbing
After a decade, The Victory Center has proven something important.
Great fundraisers aren’t successful because they’re new.
They’re successful because they continue to evolve, create meaningful experiences, and connect people to a mission bigger than themselves.
For one day each year, hundreds of people willingly step to the edge.
Not because they have to.
Because someone facing cancer didn’t get that choice.
And sometimes, the bravest thing we can do is take one step backward off the side of a building to help someone else move forward.
“No one will want to do this.”