Lincoln Savings Bank President & CEO Takes 345 Feet Rappel for One Cause
Finally standing on the edge of the roof line, it all became real for Erik Skovgard. The months of anticipation had come to an end and all that was left was the knot in his stomach as he prepared to go over the edge.
Skovgard, the CEO & President for Lincoln Savings Bank (LSB), wasn’t the only one who seemed to be doing the unthinkable on September 11th. He was among 40 others rappelling 345’ off the top of the Financial Building downtown. Like many others, Skovgard was participating in the “Toss your Boss” challenge as part of the “Over the Edge” event by the Special Olympics of Iowa (SOIA).
Thanks to hundreds of employees, family members, customers and even LSB’s Fintech Partners, Skovgard surpassed the required $1,000 to brave the rappel and raised over $3,400 benefiting SOIA and Unified Partners.
Skovgard, along with the employee-owners of LSB, have a special place in their heart for SOIA. As a premier statewide sponsor, Skovgard feels they have been sincerely blessed to participate in a variety of events like the Polar Plunge, Spring Games and Summer Games over the past three years. “LSB supports SOIA because they clearly make a difference,” said Skovgard. “Our employees are inspired and motivated by the athletes.” The Over the Edge Challenge, however, is a first for LSB.
“We are so thrilled to be hosting our 9th annual Over the Edge event again,” said SOIA Event Manager Rachel Bosworth. “[We’re] even more excited that one of our statewide partners has taken the initiative to go above and beyond to get involved! Their connection to our mission and passion to serve the community is incredible.”
The true inspiration behind Going Over the Edge isn’t just in the excitement it builds as people like Skovgard lean over the roof line, but in knowing the difference it is making. With the money raise from their 90 statewide program events, they benefit around 14,000 athletes with intellectual disabilities. Last year alone, Over the Edge raised more than $70,000, which gave Iowa athletes opportunities to participate in sports, health and educational programming and to experience joy, pride and respect.
VP of SOIA, Jeanette Steinfeldt, said the event’s biggest accomplishment is allowing their athletes to go Over the Edge. She said, “They show no fear and the smiles on their faces when they are almost to the ground with everyone cheering them on is such a moving experience.”
Lincoln Savings Bank, Member FDIC
