Last month, Playworks New England put the FUN back in FUNdraiser at our 10th annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament at Back Bay Social Club. This year’s event was more successful than ever, raising over $10,000 to support our programming in elementary schools across New England.
The Rock, Paper, Scissors (RPS) Tournament is a unique event, injecting Playworks’ high energy and friendly competition into a night out in downtown Boston.
“Every year is more impressive than the last in terms of the turnout, energy, and enthusiasm at the event. It’s inspiring to see so many coming together in support of Playworks,” says Nick Stabile, Trusts and Estates Attorney at Nutter Law and Chair of Playworks’ Leadership Council.
This year, Playworks handed over the reins in planning and hosting the RPS Tournament to Nick, with support from the rest of the Leadership Council.
In its fourth year, the leadership council is a group of Boston young professionals who are passionate about Playworks and invested in the continued success throughout New England. Members on the Leadership Council generously offer advice and guidance to staff, identify resources to support the program, and help guide ongoing growth in the region. We currently have 32 members sitting on the Leadership Council for the 2017-18 year.
“There’s a lot to offer at the event,” says Ally Malonis, financial Analyst at LogMeIn and fourth-year Leadership Council member. “From networking with peers and participating in raffles for local business, to joining in a massive RPS tournament with hundreds of new friends, there is really something for everyone no matter what your level of involvement with Playworks is.”
Participants of the Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament this year included board members, Leadership Council members, friends, and supporters of Playworks as well as Producer Matt of 103.3 AMP Radio. His experience at the event was featured on the 103.3 AMP social media and website.
After crowning this year’s RPS Champion, we transitioned to the raffle drawing and silent auction, giving away an assortment of impressive prizes, donated to Playworks by local businesses and popular attractions. Some noteworthy prizes included:
- Tickets to a Boston Bruins Game
- 2017-18 Boston Celtics autographed basketball
- Bowling party at Lucky Strike
- Tickets to a Laugh Boston Comedy Show
- Five class passes to Turnstyle Cycling and Bootcamp
Our annual Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament is truly one of the most exciting charity events of the year. In addition to raising funds for programming, the event is a great way to get local young professionals excited about Playworks’ mission.
“One year I actually began the tournament versus a girl who was on a first date,” recalls Ally. “She had never heard of Playworks but was having a great time learning about it and mingling with people. How many fundraisers appeal to coworkers, friends, and even total strangers meeting for a date?”
We are grateful to our Leadership Council members like Nick and Ally who volunteer their time to support Playworks and spread the word about our work within their networks. This year’s RPS Tournament wouldn’t have been nearly as successful without their efforts.
