IALD Education Trust: Controversy meets Philanthropy
Video below: IALD Education Trust fundraiser was fraught with controversy and impressive perseverance.
Last week, the IALD hosted its virtual Enlighten Americas 2020 event that featured world-class lighting experts, thought-provoking panels, virtual EXPO rooms, engaging breakout discussions, special social hours, giveaways and more.
Rosemarie Allaire, FIALD and Fundraising Chair for the IALD Education Trust, organized an engaging Zoom competition to raise money for the Education Trust. She enlisted Tom Warton, Vode Lighting CEO, and John Mears of Eos Lightmedia to participate in the Chubby Bunny Challenge (a.k.a. Fluffy Bunny Challenge.)
The survive-to-the-end event required the brave participants to stuff as many marshmallows as possible into their respective mouths. No swallowing, no chewing, no spitting, no cheating.
Early Controversy
Moments after lecturing the men on the "no cheating" rule, Ms. Allaire started the competition by inserting a non-regulation-sized marshmallow in her mouth. It appeared that the IALD College of Fellows inductee was using "mini marshmallows." Sources close to Allaire allege that they actually may have been "micro" or "tiny" marshmallows that are commonly used as toppings on cupcakes, cookies or other single-serving-sized baked goods.
The Competition
As the competition evolved, Allaire and Mears started to giggle. Knowing that raising money for the Education Trust was no joke, Warton maintained his laser-like focus and unwavering determination. Allaire was disqualified for violating the chewing rule. Mears appeared to lack sound strategy - and eventually dropped out.
Warton was the victor. His brilliant, space optimizing, cheek-packing strategy combined with his intimidating game face demonstrated that he was there to win -- and not surprisingly, he did. In an over-the-top gesture of sportsmanship and generosity, Warton matched the donations of Allaire and Mears.
The IALD Education Trust was established in 1998 with the purpose to promote and support the growth of the lighting design profession. Today, in an ongoing effort to ensure the future of lighting design, the IALD continues that work by directly fostering connections among students—those who represent the future of the industry—educators and practitioners in our lighting design communities.
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