Double Dog Dare - Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL l EDGERS l FUNDRAISING

 

GENERAL

What is Double Dog Dare?

Leader Dogs for the Blind Double Dog Dare sends participants Over the Edge, rappelling down the side of the Oakland Towne Center building in downtown Pontiac, Michigan. Not only is it a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but also raises money to make people who are blind or visually impaired unstoppable and helps Leader Dog provide programs and services at NO COST to clients.

When is the event?

Saturday, September 22, 2018

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where is the event?

Oakland Towne Center

28 N. Saginaw Street

Pontiac, MI 48342

How does it work?

The event is limited to 92 rappel spots. To go Over the Edge, individual participants must raise a minimum of $1,000. The majority of fundraising is managed online through your personal Double Dog Dare fundraising page.

Is there a registration fee?

Yes, all participants must pay a $50 nonrefundable registration fee ($40 if you register before May 5, 2018) to begin the fundraising process. This registration fee counts toward your $1,000 fundraising goal.

Who can go Over the Edge?

Anyone who has met their $1,000 fundraising goal and weighs between 110 and 300 pounds is eligible to participate. For those under the age of 18, a legal guardian must sign a waiver to be eligible. We can accommodate almost all special needs. However, we will need to know the details of the needs to properly prepare. Please contact us at doubledogdare@leaderdog.org to plan your special needs rappel.

How do I sign up to go Over the Edge?

Click “REGISTER” on the Double Dog Dare home page to create your personal fundraising page.  You will receive a confirmation email from Leader Dog once you have registered and confirmed your space for Double Dog Dare.

Who should I contact for more information?

Please email questions to doubledogdare@leaderdog.org. Please include your name, phone number and email address.

EDGERS

What should an Edger wear?

Sneakers, light hikers, climbing shoes or footwear with a soft, light-colored sole are recommended. No slippers, sandals, slip-on shoes, high heels, or steel-toe boots are allowed. Wear long pants and a long sleeve shirt. Athletic pants, tights and jeans are suitable. The harness goes around your legs, waist and shoulders, so it is best to avoid anything too bulky. Long hair must be tied back. Glasses will need to be secured with an eyewear retainer to keep them from falling. You will be given a pair of gloves and a helmet to wear while you rappel.

How do I raise enough money to go Over the Edge?

You can collect online credit/debit card donations by sending your friends and family a link to your personal fundraising page after reserving your spot to go Over the Edge.

Are costumes allowed?

Many people choose to wear costumes for their rappel. All costumes will need to meet the same standards as listed above. Double Dog Dare reserves the right to approve or reject any costumes that do not meet the safety standards. If you have any questions about your costume, please email pictures of your costume prior to the event.

Can I bring my camera and phone?

For everyone’s safety, we do not want any objects dropped over the side of the building. Therefore, you are not allowed to bring your phones or cameras to the roof. Family and friends are encouraged to take pictures from the landing zone area. Go Pro cameras will be provided for Edgers who have raised $2,500 or more by September 7th. Only pre-mounted Go Pro cameras provided by Over the Edge with Friends are allowed. No personal Go Pro cameras are allowed on the roof or during your rappel. We will provide your Over the Edge video to you after the event.

Can friends and family watch me as I go Over the Edge?

Supporters are encouraged to attend the event and watch you rappel down the building from the Landing Zone. Unfortunately, friends and family will not be allowed on the rooftop, since only those with safety harnesses and anchors will be admitted.

Do I need any experience?

No prior rappelling or climbing experience is necessary. When you arrive on site, you will be given instructions on how to use the equipment.

What will training be like for Edgers?

Each Edger will be given a specific time for their arrival and rappel. When an Edger arrives on site, they will be given training and will practice rappelling a shorter distance to experience hanging in the harness and using the descender. Proper rappelling position, where to keep your feet and hands, and use of the radios that participants wear will be discussed during their training session.

What can I do to practice?

Although no practice or prior climbing experience is required, rock climbing at a local climbing gym will strengthen your forearms and allow you to hang in a harness. Although the harnesses we use are different, you will still get an idea of what muscles it takes to stay upright. The most common complaint from participants after rappelling is that their forearm got sore during the descent. The new device used alleviates much of the difficulty and possibility of soreness experienced in the past. Proper techniques like switching arms and the new device will make a lot of difference.

How long does the event take?

Registering, training and rappelling will take approximately 1.5 hours to complete. The actual rappel will last approximately 10 minutes depending on the individual participant.

What if there’s inclement weather?

Typically an Over the Edge event can continue to operate in rain. A weather-related delay will be initiated when heavy rain causes people to lose their vision, if lightning is observed nearby, or if heavy winds increase the risk of injury to participants.

FUNDRAISING

What happens if I do not raise at least $1,000?

If the minimum fundraising goal of $1,000 is not reached by September 14, 2018 you may provide a credit card to cover the balance to secure your spot for Double Dog Dare. All funds raised are tax deductible donations benefitting Leader Dogs for the Blind and are nonrefundable if the minimum fundraising goal is not met. Anyone who raises at least $500 will receive an Double Dog Dare t-shirt.

What if someone wants to write a check or donate cash?

Checks should be made payable to Leader Dogs for the Blind with Double Dog Dare and your name written in the memo line. Checks can be mailed to Leader Dogs for the Blind, Attn: Double Dog Dare 2018, 1039 S. Rochester Road, Rochester Hills, MI 48307. Please do not mail cash. If you receive a cash donation, please use a cashier’s check to submit those funds. Please keep in mind these donations will take longer to process and be reflected on your personal fundraising page.

What if my company wants to match my fundraising efforts, is this allowed?

Absolutely!  If you have specific questions about company matches and how to set them up for Double Dog Dare, please contact the events office at Leader Dogs for the Blind at 248-659-5046 and we will get you started on your match!

How do I add offline donations to my online fundraising goal?

Leader Dogs for the Blind will add any donations they receive in your name to your online fundraising page. Please make sure that your information is included when sending your donations to Leader Dogs for the Blind. Please keep in mind these donations take longer to process. Be sure to get them in early, so they are included in your fundraising goal by the September 14th deadline.

Are donations tax deductible?

Yes, all donations are tax deductible. Each donor will receive a receipt for their donation from your Double Dog Dare personal fundraising page.