Since Two Rivers Marketing began in April 2000, our agency and our associates have always tried to give back to our community and to those who might be less fortunate. During the last 10 years, we have participated, volunteered, and contributed — both in-kind and monetarily — to numerous charitable organizations. Over the years, we have been involved with Special Olympics of Iowa, Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Habitat for Humanity, Combat Hunger, Meals from the Heartland, Race for the Cure, care packages for our troops in Iraq, and Christmas gifts for the less fortunate, to name just a few. At the end of the day, no matter what the organization or event has been, everyone has always gone home feeling good knowing that they made a difference in someone’s life.

So several weeks ago when I was asked the question, “If we raise $1,000, would you participate in the Special Olympics of Iowa ‘Over the Edge’ fundraising event?” I said “absolutely” and the Toss the Boss fundraising campaign was born. I thought to myself, “I’ve jumped into Big Creek Lake three or four times in the dead of winter to raise money for the Special Olympics Polar Plunge event, how bad can it be to rappel down the side of the 25-story, 345-foot Financial Center Building in downtown Des Moines?”

So this past Wednesday at 9:30 a.m., it was my turn to go over the edge. I don’t have a fear of heights, but I must admit that when I was told to step up onto the wall of the roof backwards and to just lean back “so the rope could tighten,” I was somewhat nervous for a minute or so. At the end of my descent, which seemed as if it took only a couple of minutes — but was actually closer to 12 minutes — I felt good that I was able to accomplish the task, but I felt much better about being a part of a group that raised $117,000 for Special Olympics of Iowa.

I have volunteered several times at the Special Olympics of Iowa Summer Games Aquatic Event and have witnessed firsthand the effort the athletes put forth in the pool and the joy that they experience when they complete their event. If walking over the edge of a building will help raise funds for these athletes to continue to have these opportunities, sign me up.

Watch Brian Jones go over the edge, below:

Des Moines is a great community of people always willing to help those in need. We’ve experienced that generosity firsthand and our associates took time from their work and personal schedules to help remodel three homes in the Des Moines area through Habitat for Humanity.

It was an incredible experience helping these families achieve their dream of owning a home. Their stories are heartwarming and sincere.

I encourage you to explore how you or your business can become involved with the Habitat for Humanity organization. Building skills are not a necessity, just a desire to help those in need.  Visit their website at www.habitat.org to find out what’s going on in your local community.