November 24, 2014

Kickass for Good at Microsoft Store

Kickass for Good at Microsoft Store in Century City…everyday  you see kids and adults of all ages come into the store and play XBox Games, and buy Surface computers…and sometimes something else magically occurs.

I was hosting, my last day at Microsoft Store for “Write a sport story to win 2 Superbowl Tickets.” I came with the intention, that whoever participated in whatever game I created, I would reward them. The day started with a Girls Scouts Troop, that was learning how to use their Surface Pros (their event was before mine). The game I created was, “tell me something you love about your mom.” Each one spoke beautifully about their mom, and they all got Body Shop gift cards to give to their moms. The mom who helped me organize it, also got a gift card for Lucy, and the Microsoft employee who led the Girls Scouts training, got a gift card for Jamba Juice.

I bought the new Microsoft Band. I wanted to honor Microsoft (for allowing me to host writing contests) by rewarding one person an amazing gift.

A tech gizmo that allows you to stay connected, and tracks your fitness too. And the winner is none other than Tommy Babb. Tommy, was one of my first contestants, in the creative writing contest. He asked me, “can I participate again?” And since I did not specify that you couldn’t, “I said yes.” Tommy came back to the store and wrote two more times. Each time he was happy to participate, and use his creative talent for good. Thank you Tommy for making this contest kickass. Many thanks to Ms. Newsome his teacher for telling him about our contest, and to his parents for doing an amazing job too. When I presented Tommy with the Band, he had no idea what he was about to receive, he must have thanked me at least 10 times. Tommy, congratulations for being a rockstar.

Special thanks to Denise (for teaching Tommy how to use his Band), Keaton Branch for working with me and making Tommy feel special (pictured above), and Nina Shahisaham, Community Development Specialist, who made the space available for me to host my writing events, and connect with the community in genuine and impactful ways.

How will you make this holiday season Kickass for your community?