The Salvation Army Over The Edge Delivers a Bold Leap for Children and Families in Need
The Salvation Army of Manatee County reached new heights—both literally and impactfully—during its Over The Edge Rappelling Event, held May 22–23 at the Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa. With 31 courageous participants, the event proved to be a powerful success, generating critical support for local children and families facing hunger, homelessness, and crisis.
In a remarkable display of leadership and community commitment, notable participants stepped over the edge to stand up for those in need, including:
The Honorable Judge Kennedy Legler, Manatee County
Mayor Dan West, City of Palmetto
Mayor Debra Williams, Town of Longboat Key
County Commissioner George Kruse, Manatee County
Stephenie Whitfield, President of Bank of America (Sarasota/Manatee) & Salvation Army of Manatee County Board Member
Greg Ciaccio, General Manager, Palmetto Marriott Resort & Spa
Officer Connor Horsley, Bradenton Police Department
“This event was more than a moment—it was a movement,” said Deral Pitts, Director of Community Relations & Development. “We witnessed leaders step off the edge, but more importantly, we saw a community step up. This bold act of courage translates into real hope—meals on tables, safe shelter for children, and a pathway forward for families who need us most. This is what happens when a community unites with purpose and heart.”
The Salvation Army extends heartfelt gratitude to:
Chief Joe Sicking and Chief Joel Baker and the North River Fire Department for providing essential safety support
Councilwoman Lisa Moore, City of Bradenton, for her volunteer leadership
Chick-fil-A (Cortez & Manatee Ave.) for generously providing meals to participants and guests
We offer our deepest appreciation to our Presenting Sponsor, Halfacre Construction Company, whose leadership and vision helped make this event possible, along with our valued sponsors including:
Bank of America, Bradenton Police Department, MCR Health, FPL, Summit Marketing, SaraMana Business Solutions, Aqua Plumbing & Air, Electrical & Water Treatment, Manatee County Sheriff’s Department, School District of Manatee County, Individual
Sponsor Linda Davis, and many additional individual and community partners.
We also extend sincere thanks to our media partners—ABC7, FOX 13 News, METV, The Pulse of Manatee County, Bradenton Magazine, SNN News, and others—for amplifying this mission and sharing the impact across our region.
Most importantly, we thank the entire Manatee County community—the donors, all participants, volunteers, business leaders, and supporters—who stepped forward in a powerful way. Because of you, this event was not only successful, but it was also transformational. Your willingness to give, to show up, and to stand in the gap for children and families in need is what truly made Over The Edge such a meaningful and lasting success.
Proceeds from Over The Edge directly supports The Salvation Army’s programs serving local families—providing safe shelter, nutritious meals, and critical support services for those who need it most.