From the ice cold Polar Plunge in February to the 164,000 lb. plane pull, Special Olympics is known for its stimulating fundraisers. But arguably the most extreme fundraiser is Over the Edge.

The Over the Edge fundraiser consists of participants who repel off the side of a 27 story high building to show their support towards the Special Olympics. This year, senior Anna Pleskow participated in the fundraiser in honor of her sister.

“Last year, my sister did the Over the Edge fundraiser,” Pleskow said. “In 10th grade I went to Greece with my sister to support her in her participation in the world games Special Olympics. It really inspired me to see everyone competing and working past their disabilities. I felt it was really necessary for me to also participate in the fundraiser in honor of all the work my sister has done.”

In order to partake in the event, contestants must have raised at least $1,000. Pleskow raised $1,040.

“Everyone in the community was a big help,” Pleskow said. “I really appreciated everyone that donated and showed support towards what I was doing.”

One of the ways Pleskow raised money was through donation cans left at many of the popular cafes around Reston such as Tropical Smoothie and Starbucks.

“Many of the stores were happy to let me put my donation cans out in their restaurants,” Pleskow said.  “I’m glad I got to help out both the volunteering side and the financing side. I really felt that they actually cared about what I was doing.”

Many contributors in the Over the Edge fundraiser also took part in a separate fundraiser called “Toss Your Boss.” This event consisted of participants who raised money to have their bosses repel down the side of the building.

“The Toss Your Boss part of the fundraiser was really fun to watch and see their emotions,” Pleskow said. “I can’t imagine ever receiving one of the phone calls telling me I would have to repel again.”

Though many of the participants of the Over the Edge fundraiser participate in honor of the great efforts of the Special Olympics, Pleskow participated in honor of everything her sister has worked for.

“My sister has worked extremely hard,” Pleskow said. “This is something she truly cares about and something that I have truly come to appreciate.”