The Power of the Red Rubber Ball

The Power of the Red Rubber Ball

Thursday, January 07, 2010 — “Teaching Shakespeare, math and physics is important; teaching selflessness is priceless and enduring.” — Peter M. Cowen, Former Headmaster, Pingree School

Over a hundred fans, both students, parents and faculty members, cheer on the last man standing in this dodgeball game during the Pingree School Dodgeball Tournament to benefit the Red Cross of Northeast Massachusetts.
Photo credit: courtesy of Kyle EsecsonKyle and Austin Esecson watched the devastation Hurricane Katrina brought to New Orleans in 2005.

Then the brothers decided they should to do something to help people in need.

Their answer. Dodgeball.

“We wanted to create a fun event that could bring our school community together in support of the American Red Cross and the great disaster relief they provide,” remembers Kyle.

The Esecsons organized the first Red Cross High School Dodgeball tournament at the school they attended, Pingree School in South Hamilton, Massachusetts.

More than 70 percent of the Pingree student body participated. Eleven co-ed teams with students from all four grades of school, plus a faculty team, played. The tournament raised $5,000.

In the ensuing three years the Red Cross High School Dodgeball program has grown, raising a hefty $50,000 for Red Cross disaster relief.

The three years have also demonstrated an important lesson, that small charitable contributions, when combined, can go a long way toward making a difference.

The American Red Cross National Youth Council has prepared a step-by-step guide for organizing a dodgeball tournament in your high school. Click here to download a copy of the guide, The Power of the Red Rubber Ball: Red Cross High School Dodgeball.

Repost: redcross.org. Jan 7, 2009