On Sunday, August 6, 2023, 60 people conquered their fears and rappelled 29 stories down the side of the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego. The event, called Over The Edge, was a fundraiser for Reality Changers, a local nonprofit that prepares youth from underserved communities to become first-generation college graduates and agents of change in their communities.

Rappellers included Fox5 San Diego Sports Anchor Julian Del Gaudio, KSDY Reporter Xavier Torres, and community members who came together to support a good cause. An estimated 150 spectators came out to cheer on the rappellers as they descended down the side of the building, using a special 5-point safety harness and climbing-certified ropes. 

Tamara Craver, Reality Changers President & CEO, said “We are so grateful that San Diegans wanted to come out to do something adventurous in support of college access. Our students conquer many challenges on the pathway towards becoming first-generation graduates. If they can do that, anyone can do this!”

So far, the event has raised more than $75,000 in support of Reality Changers. Funds raised will support tutoring, mentorship, and college application assistance programs for local youth who want to be the first in their families to graduate from college. With support from these programs, Reality Changers participants are seven times more likely to graduate than their similar peers.

Over The Edge was presented by sponsor NV5, a leading provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for public and private sector clients supporting infrastructure, utility, and building assets and systems.

Doug Taft, COO of NV5’s Utility Services and Power group said, “NV5 is honored to support the mission of Reality Changers. We believe in the power of education to help fulfill people’s potential and accomplish their goals.”

Additional sponsors include the Manchester Grand Hyatt San Diego, Ranch & Coast Magazine, and DLA Piper.

This event was implemented in partnership with the Over The Edge company, an urban rappelling event specialist that adheres to the highest safety standards. More than 1,000 Over The Edge events have been held in North America since 2008.

Reality Changers will host Over The Edge again in 2024. Anyone can  sign up for the 2024 Over The Edge event: https://give.realitychangers.org/OverTheEdge2024