For Tracey Bender, director of development at Special Olympics Hawaiʻi, gratitude is one word that comes to mind for the organization's Over the Edge fundraiser.
“We’re really grateful for everyone who supports this event,” she told Aloha State Daily ahead of the event scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 17, at the Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort & Spa.
The 17th annual Over the Edge fundraiser invites individuals and teams to rally for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Islands. Those who raise more than the fundraising minimum of $1,000 can rappel over 400 feet, or 40 stories, down the side of the hotel.
One goal, Bender notes, is ensuring that participants feel appreciated every step of the way. As a result, many teams of supporters have returned for more friendly competition year after year.
“You get to see the thrill and excitement on their faces at the top and a sense of accomplishment on the bottom, which we reward with a participation medal and photo op with our athletes,” Bender explained.
“Over the Edge has become a signature event that reflects the strength and special spirit of our community,” she said. “What makes this event so meaningful to those that participate is not just the challenge of rappelling along Waikīkī’s iconic coastline, but the impact it creates for our athletes. Every participant is able to face and overcome their fears and challenges, much like our athletes do every day.”
What to expect
According to Bender, Over the Edge is a Canada-based company that the nonprofit contracts with, while the manpower for tech and gear comes from the Mainland. Approximately 80 local volunteers will also lend a hand at this year’s event, which aims to attract 96 participants with a total fundraising goal of $203,000. As of Thursday, more than $138,000 has been raised to support local athletes across the state, per its website.
Since 2009, Over the Edge has raised more than $2 million for Special Olympics Hawaiʻi athletes and programs, which are offered year-round at no cost for people ages 2 and up with intellectual disabilities. The local nonprofit reported total revenues of more than $4 million in 2024, per ProPublica.
Bender says there will also be a livestream of the event so people at home can watch you rappel. Fans can also watch in-person.
“We’re calling it our golden anniversary – because it’s our 17th year on Oct. 17 – with plans to give out incentive prizes and more,” she said, adding that during the “golden hour,” Special Olympics Hawaiʻi staff, including President and CEO Dan Epstein, and two athletes, Reyse Sakima and Nicole Inouye, will go Over the Edge.
Legacy Sponsor Monica Adorno will match the athletes’ donations up to $10,000 in total. The Hyatt Regency Waikīkī Beach Resort & Spa and New York Life have both supported this fundraiser for 12 years.
Note: You must register for this event in advance here or email traceyb@sohawaii.org. Can’t make it this year? Give online or donate directly to a participant and/or team, here.
Local media, including Aloha State Daily, will rappel on Oct. 16 to help bring awareness to this cause. Follow us on Instagram at @alohastatedaily to see ASD Social Media and Marketing Manager Kady Pascual go Over the Edge.
Special Olympics Hawaiʻi family testimony
To date, Team Trevor is among the top five teams ranked by monies raised for this year’s Over the Edge fundraiser.
Team leader Sheila Bierwert, along with her family and friends, have participated for 16 years, she told ASD. A mother of four, her oldest son Trevor, 33, joined Special Olympics Hawaiʻi when he was 8 years old. Since then, her children have gotten involved in sports, while she and her husband volunteer as coaches when they’re not "cheerleading," she said with a laugh.
“It became a big family affair, even with fundraising,” Bierwert said. “I will be going over the edge this year with my two daughters. … It’s so fun! The hardest part is stepping off the edge on top and trusting that your fully locked in and safe. But you are, and the main goal is to get down.”
So far, Team Trevor has raised $7,000 for this year’s fundraiser; however, overall they have raised upwards of $80,000 to further the nonprofit’s mission, she added.
“It’s so important, the kids make friends and the camaraderie is nice,” she said of the program. “It’ also a great place for parents to network; when you have a child with special needs, there’s no directions that come with it, and so you’re always looking to connect with other people who have gone through what you have, right?
“I love that the people that work at Special Olympics work so hard to know these athletes by name and know their stories. It’s more than a number to them.”
Her advice to those who might be on the fence about going Over the Edge? “Just go for it. If you’re afraid, overcome your fear. It’s so special. So many people will be there cheering you on.”
Kelsey Kukaua Medeiros can be reached at kelsey@alohastatedaily.com.
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