The 7^th annual urban rappelling fundraiser for United Way is set for this Friday, September 12th!

75 local volunteers are scheduled to rappel over the edge of the 13-story MidWestOne Bank building in downtown Dubuque on Friday, September 12, 2025, raising money for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States. To participate in the annual rappelling event, each rappeler must raise a minimum of $1,200 for United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States.

100 percent of the money raised through Over the Edge stays local and supports 35 local non-profit organizations with the mission of preventing and reducing poverty in our 10-county, tri-state coverage area. The Over the Edge event has raised more than half a million dollars in its seven-year existence in Dubuque.

New this year, United Way will host an after-party street festival at the culmination of the rappelling event. After the final rappeler is back on solid ground, the Elizabeth Mary Band will perform on Main Street, outside MidWestOne Bank from 6:00-9:00 pm.

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States President and CEO, Danielle Leibfried, says the expansion is a strategy to help raise more funds to accelerate change at a scale necessary to address the needs of the Tri-State area.

“In order to continue serving as a key investor in our community’s success, we created this unique and exhilarating event. We know people in our community want to help in a way that’s both meaningful and easy for them. Expanding this already popular event is just the way to do that” said Leibfried.

The community is encouraged to watch the rappelers scale the city’s tallest building located near the corner of 9th and Main Streets. Beverages and music will be available all day. Food trucks will be on-site from 11:00 a.m.- 9:00p.m.

Thanks to our partners at TH Media the event will be live streamed on the United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States’ Facebook page. The edger schedule can be found at dbqunitedway.org.

Over the Edge Dubuque is sponsored by the following generous businesses and organizations; Spahn & Rose Lumber Company, Alliant Energy, Andersen Windows & Doors, McGrath Chevrolet of Dubuque, Theisen’s, Kunkel and Associates, Green State Credit Union, Dubuque Stamping and Manufacturing, Travel Dubuque, Carpenters Local 678 and North Central States Carpenters, Bard Materials and Hartig Drug.

United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States connects people and resources to advance the health, education and income of those in need in our community. United Way promises to bring community partners together to reduce and prevent poverty on a scale no one can accomplish alone. For more information about United Way of Dubuque Area Tri-States, visit DBQUnitedWay.org.