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SALT LAKE CITY — Many companies in Utah sponsor local, national and international charities. Salt Lake City-based 3form, which manufactures building materials and architectural hardware, is actively involved in multiple charities and has a long tradition of using unique fundraising initiatives.
Their latest event is being dubbed Rumble for the Rascals II and will pit co-workers against each other in boxing matches. Additional bouts will feature trained fighters from Hidden Valley MMA.
So is having co-workers punch each others’ lights out a good idea? The event’s organizers insist that it’s a fun way to raise money for a good cause.
"My brother and I started Rumble for the Rascals in 2012 in my backyard,” explains 3form employee Roman Lopez. “The first one supported United Way's Sub for Santa program and raised $2,600. Now we have 3form, Help One Future and Hidden Valley MMA pitching in to make this event more successful."
Tickets will cost $20 each or $30 a pair, with 100 percent of the proceeds going towards buying school supplies for children in the Tacloban area of the Philippines. Event organizers teamed up with a non-profit organization called Help One Future to identify four schools that were affected by Typhoon Haiyan in 2013. Their goal is to purchase a full year’s worth of supplies for each of the students at these schools.
The owners of 3form have also pledged to match the amount earned from ticket sales at the event.
- Venue: Hidden Valley MMA
- Address: 9854 S. 700 E. Sandy
- Date: Sat., September 27
- Time: 7 p.m.
- Ticket Price: $20 for one or $30 for two
While the funds from the fight are going to a good cause, the question remains whether it’s wise to have co-workers pummel each other in a ring in front of a crowd. It seems possible that lasting injuries or hard feelings could result from the skirmishes.
However, participants said they aren’t worried about things like that. They’ll be wearing protective headwear and are approaching the fights as entertainment, not opportunities for revenge.
Currently, there are four co-workers set to tangle at the Rumble for the Rascals II. Employee Jose Monge will square off against Eddie Tavui, and then Adam Cowan will clash with Mitch Probert.
Although he isn’t a trained fighter, Cowan said he’s excited to be part of such a worthwhile event.
“While Mitch may have the advantage in strength, speed, and overall physical ability, I feel that I am going to overpower him with my intellect, durability in taking a hit and facial hair,” Cowan said.
He adds that in order to prepare for his match with Probert he watched hours of YouTube videos such as “Learning How to Take a Punch in the Face” and “How to Assume the Fetal Position.”
Once the 3form employees have battled each other, trained fighters from Hidden Valley MMA will take the ring. The headlining match will be Josh "The Dutchman" Vander Vuer versus Cole "The Headhunter" Rose.
These MMA fights later in the evening will most likely feature more refined technique than the employee rounds, but they’ll lack the entertaining absurdity of employees punching their supervisors square in the face.
“I am grateful to be associated with such a company,” Cowan said. “I look forward to the fights and the weeks of recovery that will be required thereafter.”
Grant Olsen joined the KSL.com team in 2012. He covers outdoor adventures, travel, product reviews and other interesting things. You can contact him at grantorrin@gmail.com.