The online virtual economy is not only doing wonders for the bottom lines of some startups. Charities are winning as well. The American Cancer Society has announced it raised over $115,000 (L$32 million) this year for its third annual virtual “Relay for Life” in Second Life. The relay was originally started in 2005 when some Second Life residents approached the organization with the idea. This year’s virtual relay (July 28th-29th) greatly surpassed the organization’s original $75,000 funding goal, up from $41,000 raised on 2006.
So how exactly does a virtual relay work? Much like its real-world counterpart, the virtual relay is a cooperative all night relay around a track. However, the virtual event has the added benefit of being more accessible than the all night real world relay with some whimsical scenery. Like the traditional event, donations were either solicited before the run started or through a variety of games played on the track. Over 1,700 people participated worldwide.
This year’s custom-built track was inspired by action-adventure films. The track featured a variety of scene,s including a graveyard, forest complete with bandits, water slide, and an underwater length of the track. You can see Flickr stream of them here (photo credit).
Readers interested in more Second Life non profits should check out NPSL.
I want to stay away from those bandits. LOL. But we definitely need more useful things like this. Awesome idea!
Im sick of hearing about second life on this website.
If you actually pay to play with Second Life, please comment in this thread. I really really really would like to know if there’s an actual person that does this.
I’m sick and tired of hearing about companies, products and events that are defining and transforming the new web. Oh wait…
Hi
Nick are you no longer broadcasting on Justin.TV?
Ryan
Can I third that request… bdb/alaska
It is always good to hear about charities receiving money. We all need to appreciate what we have and give to people and animals in need.
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You guys highlighted some positive things going on in SL?!?!
*tear*
Whoops, I should read comments first before hitting submit.
@alaska/nick/bdb
I’ve spent roughly $1000-$2000 US messing around in SL, buying land, researching the world and helping a real world company create a presence there. This is over the course of year and im sure the first question is why? And the assumption is probably “wow what an idiot, probably spent most of that on virtual hookers”.
Initially the idea was to sell products and generate money but the ROI hasn’t come yet. I’d imagine I’ve made a whole $20-$50US back on the few virtual goods I sell there. That of course is the same approach some large companies take and are quickly met with disappointment. As it turns out its not very easy to make a living from SL income let alone become rich from it.
That’s actually a good thing I think, in a real world where the mighty dollar still has such a strangle hold upon us its nice to find a place where talent and creativity nets you the biggest response or following. It reminds me of 94′ when most websites where informational as opposed to a cash cow for some asshole in a suit somewhere. However its also an investment for me, I’m a believer in the virtual landscape and whether its SL or someone else I want to be on the ground floor instead of left behind (like you guys).
I should also mention I signed a book deal about SL and the advance alone was much more than what I have spent the last year. So should a few people actually buy the book there is my ROI and more importantly more my contribution to a new media.
Lastly I gave $1000L (about $4 US) to the relay for life, I would give more but I tend to have some concerns with charities. Some might remember the issue with Red Cross and 9/11 when most of the donations went to administration of the charity and not the actual people that needed it. Never the less I support the cause and the levels of interactivity the SLRFL offered users. It really was something unlike anything I’ve experienced before and much more engaging then hitting a paypal donation button.
Have more questions? I’d be glad to answer, unless of course you do want to know where the virtual hookers are you dirty dirty men.
This is a GREAT post- thanks for the article, I would personally like to see more non-profit utilization of these emerging social communication platforms.
I’m twenty-three, but I must be getting old – I don’t understand the Second Life fascination.