Every semester, Event Management (SMGT 366) hosts an event where all proceeds go towards a cause or charity. This Spring 2017 class considered a 5K color run, a 3v3 soccer tournament, dodgeball, and even a quidditch tournament. Ultimately the class settled on a dodgeball tournament.
“The decision on which charity to donate to was a no-brainer,” Samantha Chaiken ’18 said. “Chance for Hope was close to home and a great charity benefitting the family of a fellow classmate.”
Chance for Hope is a foundation working to provide care for children with cancer and funding for pediatric cancer research and treatment.
After months of planning and marketing the day of the event came more quickly than the class expected.
“After Spring Break, we only had two weeks left to plan” Jordan Lee ’18 said. “But everyone pitched in and were able to pull off a successful event.”
The event was hosted at Rice University’s Recreation Center on April 8. There were 64 players in attendance, each paying a $10 entrance fee. In addition, the class was able to collect $1,225 in sponsorships and donations. Some of these donations included Chick-Fil-A gift cards and Chance for Hope t-shirts.
There was a very eclectic group of players consisting of students, athletes, coaching staff, and professors. The team of professors hit a new low when they were eliminated just 70 seconds into their game.
“We didn't last long, but it was a blast!” said Economics professor James Denicco.
At the end, there was much talk from the players asking the event staff of when the next dodgeball tournament was going to be.
“I had so much fun today.” Connor Cashaw ’19 said. “You don’t see staff, professors and students come together like this very often. I am looking forward to see what the next Event Management class has to offer.”
Alex Lowes, a junior from Grand Blanc, Michigan, is majoring in Sport Management.