From the glitz of Sundance to the chaos of MBA traditions, some of the most memorable experiences come from unexpected places. This chapter dives into the spirited world of Challenge for Charity (C4C), where competition, camaraderie, and giving back collide in equal measure. It’s a story of how fun and philanthropy coexist, how late-night revelry can reveal enduring lessons, and how even in the midst of chaos, community and purpose shine through.

Disclaimer

• All characters and events in this chapter —even those based on real people—are entirely fictional.
• The following chapters contain coarse language and situations and due to its content it should not be read by anyone.

Chapter 25 “Charity and volunteering”

The Sundance Film Festival called, and our entertainment club answered with enthusiasm, organizing a trip to Park City, Utah for its members. A group of thirty of us descended upon a massive, cozy cabin—our home base for the duration of the festival. Days were spent hopping between film screenings, networking events, DJ parties, and after-hours gatherings that defined the lively Sundance atmosphere.

However, we soon discovered that securing tickets to the most coveted films was akin to winning the lottery. Demand was relentless, and the few available tickets disappeared in the blink of an eye. By the second day, we had resigned ourselves to the reality that VIP passes or meticulous planning were the keys to Sundance’s inner circle.

Not wanting to miss out on the experience entirely, we shifted gears. Skiing, snowboarding, and indulging in Park City's mountain adventures became our alternative agenda. The crisp mountain air and powdery slopes offered a different kind of exhilaration. As much as we regretted not planning ahead for more film access, carving through the snow with classmates made up for it.

A few of our more resourceful peers had secured the elusive VIP passes, and their nonchalant recounting of star-studded film premieres and exclusive parties was enough to make the rest of us vow: Next time, we’ll be prepared.

Still, the festival wasn’t a loss. Sundance wasn’t just about the films—it was the atmosphere, the bonding, and the memories we made as a group. By the time we packed up to leave, our spirits were high, and the lesson had been learned. Next time, VIP or bust.

Ironically, I had first heard about Sundance in a far less glamorous setting—Anderson Afternoons.

A cherished MBA tradition, Anderson Afternoons were simple: free beer. Sponsored by clubs or companies, these casual gatherings offered a chance to unwind, catch up with friends from other sections, and—on occasion—network with the companies footing the bar tab.

Let’s be honest, though. Anderson Afternoons were often a pre-game for the real party that followed. The ritual went like this: have a few drinks on campus, then gather a crew to hit Busby's, Cabo Cantina, or another Westwood or Brentwood haunt. What began as an innocent campus happy hour often ended with us dancing or singing karaoke at 1 AM, amalgamating friendships in ways late-night finance study groups never could.

Anderson Afternoons were a cornerstone of the MBA experience—a balance of camaraderie, spontaneity, and, of course, the occasional beer-fueled revelation. It was during one of these casual events that I first learned about another iconic tradition: C4C.

Challenge for Charity (or C4C, as it was affectionately known) was MBA lore. An Olympic-style event held annually at Stanford, C4C gathered MBA programs from across the country for a weekend of competitions, fundraising, and unapologetic revelry.

The noble premise? Raise money for charity. The rallying cry? “Do it for the children!” A slogan that could justify just about anything.

And while the fundraising efforts were genuine, everyone knew C4C was as much about socializing as it was about altruism.

Yes, there were sporting events—soccer, basketball, dodgeball. But the true MVPs were often those manning the beer pong tables or dominating the dance floor. By the second day, it became clear that many MBAs showed up to compete in an entirely different kind of endurance test: partying.

Looking back, C4C felt like a microcosm of the MBA experience itself—a blend of ambition, fun, and giving back. It was about striking a balance between doing good and having a great time doing it. And even when the weekend blurred together in a haze of neon wristbands and questionable dance moves, the underlying spirit of community and charity always shone through.

C4C wasn’t just an event—it was a rite of passage.