Over the next two days, residents and visitors at Reston Station will be treated to the sight of people rappelling down a 17-story office building for charity.
The Google-anchored building at 1900 Reston Station Blvd will be the site of an Over the Edge fundraiser tomorrow (Saturday) to benefit the National Military Intelligence Foundation (NMIF), a Clifton-based nonprofit that supports national security and intelligence workers through professional development and student scholarships.
As of yesterday afternoon, 12 individuals and three teams have registered for the rappelling event, which will start at 9 a.m. and end at 5 p.m. Participants must raise at least $1,000 by the day of the fundraiser, including a $50 online registration fee, but no prior rappelling experience is needed.
People who want to support the cause without leaving the ground can make donations online.
Before the main fundraiser, Reston Station developer Comstock says it will host a VIP event from 4-7 p.m. today (Friday) to “spotlight the strong community support behind the mission and set the stage for an impactful weekend.”
The VIPs set to rappel this afternoon include Virginia Senate Majority Leader Scott Surovell (D-34), Fairfax County Police Chief Kevin Davis, leaders of the Reston-based aerospace company SOS International and “members of the intelligence community,” according to a press release.
“Hosting Over The Edge at 1900 Reston Metro Plaza aligns perfectly with our commitment to fostering community engagement and supporting impactful causes,” Comstock Chief Operating Officer Tim Steffan said in the release. “We are honored to partner with NMIF for this exciting event that directly benefits veterans and aspiring professionals in the national security field.”
Established in 2004 in Canada, Over the Edge organizes urban rappelling experiences for parties, corporate team-building exercises and other events. The company was previously enlisted for charity fundraisers at Hilton Crystal City and Tysons Corner Center that, respectively, supported New Hope Housing and Helping Haitian Angels.
According to the event page, proceeds from the Reston Station fundraiser will go toward NMIF’s scholarships for students pursuing careers in intelligence, its Intelligence Journal and other publications, and its annual Night of Heroes Gala, which recognizes achievements by intelligence professionals.
“We are thrilled and deeply grateful to be partnering with Comstock and Over The Edge for what promises to be the most exhilarating fundraising event in our 51-year history as a national-level, 501c(3) non-profit organization,” NMIF President Stephen Iwicki, a retired Army lieutenant colonel, said in the press release.
The campaign has attracted more than 140 contributions totaling over $62,000 so far, putting its goal of $80,000 by May 6 within reach.
