June Nomination: AZ Tech Council's Wine & Wii Fundraiser

There are many words in the English language that simply mesh well together, like “free beer” or “rich and famous” -- kind of like the newest entry in our vernacular, “Wine and Wii.” Be the first to champion this phrase among your circle of friends.

On Thursday, June 5th, the Arizona Technology Council is hosting a fundraiser for Junior Achievement of Arizona, an organization that teaches more than 80,000 K-12 students about entrepreneurship, workplace readiness and financial literacy.

That mission is sound in its own right. What’s extra great about this event, however, is that it combines fundraising and networking with a traditionally home-bound time-killer -- the Nintendo Wii. Of course, the children involved with the organization will undoubtedly love the Wii -- but the AZ Tech Council is willing to bet that the adults in attendance will get a huge kick out of the system. The Oddy Award thinks so, too.

Sure it’s fun, but the game system really does serve a meaningful purpose for the event. The Wii functions as the ice breaker of the evening, allowing everyone to get past the I-don’t-know-anyone-here jitters. “Competing at the machines brings along dialogue. Individuals not playing but near the machines have something to chat about. It’s a natural way for introductions,” says Steve Briner, chairman of the Social/Charitable Committee in charge of organizing the event.

The event will feature a full suite of popular Wii games, including bowling, tennis, golf and baseball; a little something for everyone. Show your support for the Junior Achievement of Arizona -- and while you’re at it, throw down some tennis love on that other dude you saw schmoozing with your clients at the last BizMix. For more info, visit HYPERLINK "http://www.aztechcouncil.org" www.aztechcouncil.org.

The Arizona Technology Council earns the June Oddy nomination with their inventive Wii-centric benefit. Only nine months left, folks, and we’re counting them down like an 8-bit time clock. Check out www.theoddy.com.