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(Feb. 22, 2017) — While Pam Van Vleck doesn’t consider herself your typical thrill seeker, she does pine for an adrenaline rush every now and then. So it was easy for her to accept an invitation to rappel off the rooftop of a Naples hotel this week to raise money for Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida. On a routine morning, Van Vleck normally would be involved in her usual duties as Chief Operating Officer and Director of Property Management for Cushman & Wakefield Commercial Property Southwest Florida based in Fort Myers. But on Saturday, Feb. 25, at 8 a.m. she will be “Going Over the Edge,” descending some 170 feet from the roof of Naples Grande Beach Resort in Naples over a 10- to 15-minute timeframe. What a way to start the day. Pam Van Vleck has already netted nearly 100 percent more pledges than the $1,000 each participant is required to raise, which will help support economic education programs locally. Adrenalin Rush OK for Pam Van Vleck While she has never been “Over the Edge,” Van Vleck has participated in a Fire Walk, braving hot ashes, barefoot, over a 50-foot stretch. “That seminar was quite an eye-opening experience, it gives you confidence you thought you never had,” she said. “It’s a mind over matter situation. And you walk quickly.” Van Vleck and her husband, C. Gene Van Vleck, have ziplined in Panama and Costa Rica, and Pam has her pilot’s license, so heights are not a problem. “These types of experiences definitely make you a believer that you can do about anything without fear,” she added. “I think it’ll be fun.” Van Vleck has not had to do any special preparation prior to the rappel, but keeps her daily workout schedule intact. Supporting Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida, with founder and Executive Director Gary Tasman serving as Chairman of the Board of Directors, so it’s an honor for me to participate,” Van Vleck said. “It’s a small way we can assist Junior Achievement in its mission of inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in our economy.” Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Development Director Stephanie Hoffman said events like Over the Edge are important to the nonprofit’s goals. “Not only do events draw attention to Junior Achievement and its mission, but the funds raised are critical to our ability to purchase supplies and operate the programs we offer,” she said. How to Help If you’d like to help the cause without going over the edge, please consider a 100 percent tax-deducible donation for Pam Van Vleck at https://jaovertheedge.com. Click on her name and donate. Or, send a check or money order payable to Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida and mailed to 9530 Marketplace Road, Suite 302, Fort Myers, FL 33912. Please include “Pamela K. Van Vleck” in the Memo portion. About Junior Achievement Through a dedicated volunteer network, Junior Achievement of Southwest Florida Inc. provides in-school and after-school programs for more than 8,000 students in Collier, Lee and Charlotte counties that focus on three key content areas: work readiness, entrepreneurship and financial literacy. Junior Achievement is the world’s largest organization dedicated to inspiring and preparing young people to succeed in a global economy.