Where can you make a splash in a kayak relay one minute, play human ring toss the next, and end your adventures by transporting keys to locks via remote control car? The Kendall Square Challenge, of course! These are only a few of the 75 missions that over 500 participants from 55 teams set out to accomplish on June 11th, all in hopes of winning the coveted Kendall Cup.
The day is all about fun, connection, and, above all else, philanthropy. This year, KSA was proud to donate over $60,000 to 6 local nonprofits. Not only that, but participants successfully packed $5,000 worth of “Summer Safety Kits” for the Cambridge and Somerville Programs for Addiction and Recovery (CASPAR). Bags were picked up at 4 pm and in the hands of those who needed them just an hour later.
The day culminated with a block party in Tech Square where participants mingled over delicious bites from Area Four, Mex, Shy Bird, and VESTER, live music, and drinks from Cambridge Spirits and Lamplighter Brewing. For one last bit of competition, team captains took to the stage to represent their teams in a Rock, Paper, Scissors Tournament for the chance to earn their chosen nonprofit an additional donation.
For the second year in a row, Amgen took the Kendall Cup home with their Amgenator team, along with bragging rights for the year. Meanwhile, Leggat McCall’s team received medals for their sportsmanship, and MITIMCo earned colorful leis for their team spirit.
As the event came to a close, the six nonprofit partners – Cambridge Community Foundation, CASPAR, East Cambridge Scholarship Fund, Innovators for Purpose, Massachusetts Science & Engineering Fair, and On The Rise – were presented with checks, ranging from $7,500 to $15,500.
The Kendall Square Challenge is made possible by the support of our sponsors: Presenting sponsors DivcoWest and Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Platinum sponsors Microsoft and MITIMCo, Gold sponsor Sanofi, and Silver sponsors Bulfinch, Jacobs, Philips, and Vicinity.
If you couldn’t join us this year, it’s not too late! The Challenge is an annual tradition. Start training today, and the Cup could be yours next June.