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Going Above, Beyond & Over the Edge to Build Homes, Communities and Hope

It’s a bird. It’s a plane.

Nope, it’s Habitat for Humanity Peninsula and Greater Williamsburg going to new heights in fundraising.

Three staff members, along with one Habitat Board member and her son, have committed to go Over the Edge. All signed up to find out firsthand what it’s like to rappel down an 11-story building that stands 150 feet tall, which is about the size of a football field or roughly half as big as the Statue of Liberty.

The local Habitat affiliate is partnering with the organization Over the Edge for a rappelling event at the Newport News Marriott at City Center on May 31, 2025, to support the mission of building homes, communities, and hope.

To celebrate 40 years of service to the local community, Habitat aims to raise $40,000 in 2025. These five brave participants are seeking to contribute a combined $5,000 by letting their adrenaline meet altitude.

They’ll do the hard part – conquering fears and defying gravity by rappelling down the Marriott – to support a mission that hits close to home.

“The idea of rappelling down an 11-story building is kind of terrifying — yet intriguing, “ said Meka Stewart, Director of Homeowner Services at Habitat. “I’ll ride almost any roller coaster, but bungee or base jumping? Not for me. I’m taking all the encouragement from family and friends—and my love for Habitat — with me to the roof to help calm the butterflies.”

Meka reviews every application submitted to Habitat’s first-time Homebuyer Program – families committed to paying back a 20- or 30-year zero-equivalent mortgage, families willing to put in 300 hours of sweat equity to achieve the dream of owning a home.

The demand is far greater than available homes, among the reasons why every dollar contributed matters.

“Every dollar you give helps us purchase building materials, fund construction, and support programs that empower families to build better futures,” Stewart said.

She’s already met her $1,000 fundraising goal and is still reaching for the top to raise even more.

Gina Gay, Manager of the Habitat ReStore in Newport News, is also taking the leap. She supports fundraising efforts every day through ReStore sales, all of which go directly towards Habitat’s mission. Her connection is personal. Her family moved frequently during her childhood, and she attended 10 different schools.

“It truly brings me joy to participate in dedication ceremonies, feel the excitement in the air, and celebrate with families as they finally receive the keys to their new homes,” she said.

Habitat Board member Sherry Thacker, Senior Vice President and Mortgage Director at Old Point Mortgage, began serving the nonprofit six years ago.

“I’ve never partnered with a more powerful organization than Habitat,” Thacker said.

Over the past 40 years, the affiliate has built and renovated more than 233 homes in the local community.

Sherry’s son, Tory Thacker, a loan officer at C&F Mortgage Corporation’s Chesapeake branch, is joining her in the descent. He’s committed to raising $500 to support local families.

Habitat Office Manager Chelsea Jones hopes to raise $1,000. She provides administrative support across all departments and ensures the organization runs smoothly behind the scenes.

“It’s a powerful process to witness and one that continues to inspire me,” she said. “Every gift goes toward creating a brighter future for the partner families we serve.”

Our Edgers will face their fears and rappel 150 feet—all for a great cause. You can support them by visiting their fundraising pages below:

• Meka Stewart, Director of Homeowner Services
• Gina Gay, Newport News ReStore Manager
• Chelsea Jones, Office Manager
• Sherry Thacker, Habitat Board of Directors
• Tory Thacker, Habitat Supporter

Together, we can go Over the Edge for affordable housing.