Former Parsippany Mayor Helps NJ Leaders Rappel 200 Feet For Environmental Awareness

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — New Jersey mayors reached new heights (and then descended from them) last weekend at the Over The Edge for Clean Water fundraiser, of which former Parsippany Mayor Michael Soriano helped organize.

Last Friday and Saturday, five New Jersey mayors were guided by Soriano to rappel down a 21-story building in an effort to raise money to keep the Hackensack River and other NJ waterways clean and healthy.

Soriano, who made the daunting, 200-foot descent last year, served as the emcee, guide, and mentor for the five brave mayors who were up to the challenge. He also serves as a New Jersey Highlands Coalition Trustee.

Harding Deputy Mayor Nicole Lacz, Bernardsville Mayor Mary Jane Canose, Hope Mayor Timothy McDonough, Clinton Mayor Janice Kovach, and Sparta Mayor Neill Clark accepted the Over The Edge for Clean Water’s dizzying “Mayors Challenge.”

Participants rappelled off the roof of The Park Hotel at Meadowlands in East Rutherford. They each were tasked with collecting sponsorships before making the climb down.

“It takes courage to protect our precious natural resources from the threats posed by out-of-scale developments and stand up to the powerful interests that often support them,” said Sparta Mayor Clark, who was the first to accept the 2025 Mayors Challenge. “With my rappel as a small symbolic act of courage, I am honored to pay homage to the valiant voices like the New Jersey Highlands Coalition that rise up with evidence-based facts to challenge these threats and offer sensible, sustainable solutions.”

Sponsorship proceeds went towards the efforts of the event’s organizers, the NJ Highlands Coalition and Hackensack Riverkeeper. These two organizations work to keep New Jersey waters safe for both the people and wildlife that rely on them.

“The New Jersey Highlands Coalition is dedicated to preserving and protecting the natural and cultural resources of the NJ Highlands, for current and future generations,” a statement read. “Hackensack Riverkeeper defends the Public Trust resources of the Hackensack River watershed through environmental action, advocacy, education, and litigation.”

Following the Mayors Challenge, 30 more participants made the climb. Members of the Wayne Chamber of Commerce, the Puddingstone Community Club, and even Park Hotel employees were among those who made the rappel down.

The event has raised nearly $40,000 so far, and those interested can learn about Over the Edge for Clean Water here.