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Overcoming the challenge of autism to find a job where his talents shine
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Cleveland Cavaliers Hoop It Up for United Way
Team spirit is simply a part of the Cleveland Cavaliers culture, as company employees are referred to as "team members" and are collectively known as the "Team Behind The Team." And combined with creativity and a sense of fun, this organization demonstrated an unbeatable game plan for a company fund-raising campaign. In addition to the many generous individual pledges from staff, the Cavaliers and its affiliate company Quicken Loans held a weeklong schedule of special events to have some fun and help raise money for United Way of Greater Cleveland. The net result? More than $56,000 was raised in its 2006 campaign.
The Cavaliers internal campaign kicked off on August 25 with a breakfast meeting and video presentation for team members followed by a pep talk from Len Komoroski, Cleveland Cavaliers president and United Way board member. Later that day, the staff held a "Dunk Tank" fund-raiser. Team members had the opportunity to dunk their favorite team leaders for a nominal donation to United Way. Nearly 100 team members took part in this event, which raised close to $750.
On August 28, Cavs team members enjoyed a first-run movie in a lunchtime private screening at Tower City Cinema. For a $10 donation, they were treated to pizza, soft drinks and the newly released film "Invincible." Fifty people attended, raising another $500.
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One of the more than 200 participants who rose to the Challenge.
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On August 29 and 31, the company held its "Cavaliers 3-Point Challenge" on Mall B in downtown Cleveland to find the best basketball shooter in town. For the highest scorer, the prize was an authentic team jersey autographed by LeBron James. Shooters received 12 shots for a minimum $5 donation to benefit United Way. Over $1,000 was raised from more than 200 participants. Members of the game entertainment group -- Cavalier Girls, Scream Team and Moondog -- entertained the crowd and cheered contestants on.
Also on August 29, the Cavalier Girls dance team circulated the popular "Movie Board" throughout the Cavaliers and Quicken Loans offices, allowing team members to test their luck at discounted movie passes. Participants would pull an envelope from the board and pay the amount marked under the envelope flap, which was always less than the box office price of the passes. All "Movie Board" proceeds went to United Way, and every participant was guaranteed discounted movie tickets. Over $1200 was collected!
Other fund-raising events during the week included a bake sale, sports and entertainment silent auction and the annual "End-of-Campaign Pledge Form Drawing," where team members became eligible for the drawing by meeting the set minimum pledge amount. They could win outstanding prizes, including a big screen TV and a framed LeBron James autographed jersey. Also on the last day, Cavs and Quicken Loans team members participated in a staff basketball tournament on the Quicken Loans Arena courts. Four teams were assembled for a single-elimination tournament, raising several hundred dollars more for the United Way campaign.
After campaign week, the final fund-raising event was held on October 6: the "Fantasy Football Game," a flag football game played on the Cleveland Browns Stadium gridiron. Team members experienced the thrill of playing football in a world-class NFL stadium. Eight teams participated, with each player paying a $25 registration fee. This event raised an additional $1,500 for the campaign.
The Cleveland Cavaliers really had its game on in this United Way campaign by putting the "fun" back into fund-raising. They shot, scored and won!
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