Rappelers Brave Weather for CASA and Children's Advocacy Center Benefit

Texarkana event raises funds for local nonprofits despite rain and lightning delays.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 12:54am

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An abstract, out-of-focus photograph showing the silhouettes of people rappelling down the side of a building, with the city skyline visible in the background. The image is composed of warm, hazy pools of light and color, creating a dreamlike, atmospheric quality.Despite inclement weather, a group of brave rappelers descended a Texarkana building to raise funds for local nonprofits serving vulnerable children.Texarkana Today

Despite inclement weather, a group of rappelers descended the 300 Olive Street Building in Texarkana, Arkansas on Saturday to raise money for CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and the Texarkana Children's Advocacy Center. The annual fundraising event, called Over the Edge, continued despite a lightning delay and rain.

Why it matters

The Over the Edge event is a critical fundraiser for CASA and the Texarkana Children's Advocacy Center, two local nonprofits that provide vital services and advocacy for vulnerable children in the community. The willingness of participants to brave the weather underscores the importance of these organizations and the community's commitment to supporting them.

The details

Rappelers, including Miller County Sheriff's Office Sergeant Wesley Penny, Sr., took turns descending the 300 Olive Street Building to raise money for the two nonprofits. The event was delayed briefly due to lightning, but participants returned to complete the rappels once the storm passed.

  • The Over the Edge event took place on Saturday, April 19, 2026.
  • The event was delayed briefly due to lightning, but participants returned to complete the rappels once the storm passed.

The players

CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates)

A nonprofit organization that provides trained volunteer advocates to represent the best interests of abused and neglected children in the court system.

Texarkana Children's Advocacy Center

A nonprofit organization that provides a safe, child-friendly environment for children who have been victims of abuse or neglect to receive services and support.

Wesley Penny, Sr.

A sergeant with the Miller County Sheriff's Office who participated in the Over the Edge rappelling event.

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The takeaway

The Over the Edge event demonstrates the community's commitment to supporting local nonprofits that serve vulnerable children, even in the face of challenging weather conditions. The willingness of participants to rappel down the building highlights the importance of CASA and the Texarkana Children's Advocacy Center in the lives of local families.