Clark County Red Cross

Dodgeball Tournament. Childhood game becomes rallying point for a spectacular fundraising event.

When you think of inspiring others to contribute to disaster relief, you wouldn't dream of asking people to hurl a large rubber ball in the direction of another person's body. However, that was precisely what the Clark County Red Cross had in mind as they planned their first annual Corporate/Collegiate dodgeball tournament. Hafenbrack Marketing & Public Relations donated its services to the Springfield, Ohio-based agency in an effort to raise awareness and funds for a critical support entity in the community, while connecting Greater Springfield's best businesses with Wittenberg University's most promising future employees. A creative campaign targeted HR departments and Witt students through e-mail blasts, posters, and temporary "dodgeball rash" tattoos. Nearly 150 participants took part in the day-long event, hosted at Wittenberg's HPER Center, creating a net profit of nearly $2,500 for the inaugural event. The tournament was a huge success by all measures, proving that it's possible for adults to behave immaturely to the the betterment of their community and fellow man.