Picture the Impossible, a collaboration between the Democrat and Chronicle and RIT’s Lab for Social Computing, was a first-of-its-kind project. The games lasted for seven weeks and had approximately 2,500 registered players.
Each player had to choose to play for one of three factions. Each faction represented a different local charity: Foodlink, Wilson Commencement Park and Golisano Children’s Hospital at Strong.
Picture the Impossible challenged players to solve puzzles and other games in the newspaper and online. Players were also asked to perform local challenges such as scavenger hunts in search of local landmarks and neighborhoods. Each task earned players points, and at the end of each week the faction with the most points would earn $1,000 for their charity, 2nd place received $600 and 3rd place received $400.
To celebrate the completion of the game the top 150 players as well as specific challenge winners were invited to the Picture the Impossible Halloween Gala on October 31st at the RIT Student Innovation Center.
At the Gala, each charity received a check for the total amount of money earned throughout the 7 week challenge including a $1,000 bonus from the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Overall, the Forge faction raised $4,800 for Foodlink; the Tree faction raised $7,600 for Golisano Children’s Hospital; and the Watch faction raised $4,600 for Wilson Commencement Park.
Foodlink thanks RIT and the Democrat and Chronicle as well as the Rochester Area Community Foundation. Most importantly we thank everyone who played on the Forge faction! It was your dedication that raised $4,800 in the fight against hunger.
Thank you for Picturing the Impossible!
Terra Keller
Community Relations Coordinator