We’ve seen the pandemic transform so many events, from concerts and football games to charity galas. 

Many events have been cancelled, but many more pivoted into new formats. We saw Houston Ballet’s annual ball go virtual this year. Last October, Dress for Success Houston’s annual gala was converted into a drive-thru bash that took attendees on a fun-filled jaunt down Eastside Street. 

Now at this point, you’d think we’ve seen it all. You’re wrong. So wrong.

Opting for a simple virtual event spent at home seemed too dull for the staff at The Women’s Home, because on May 1 the nonprofit, which provides support to women and families facing addiction, homelessness, and mental illness, is giving donors the opportunity to rappel down the side of the 250-foot DoubleTree Galleria building.

Yes, you read that right. That’s 26 whole floors people have the opportunity to scale.

This unique opportunity is a part of TWH’s fundraiser “Over the Edge,” and although donations start at $1,000, you get to see your money go toward programs that are integral to Houstonian women, and also you can do probably the most exciting thing you’ve done with your life in over a year.

“We thought it was something out of the box that we had never done before,” says Julie Comiskey, The Women’s Home chief development officer. “We thought it was something interesting that would bring in a whole new group of [donors] not familiar with The Women’s Home.”

There are different donation packages ranging $1,000–20,000 that include various incentives, like the ability to bring more people to rappel with you.

If scaling a giant building doesn’t sound like a good time but you still want to donate, the “chicken coop” package is your best option: You’ll donate $1,000, but you don’t have to rappel, which then gives everyone the grounds to call you a chicken. Bock, Bock.

There’s no need to worry about being around other “edgers” because according to Comiskey, each person, unless in a group, will rappel at different times.

“People are still a little hesitant about going out,” Comiskey says. “It’s perfect because people will be able to social distance.”

If pandemic life is sending you over the edge, this event … quite literally … is for you.

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