Although special events are often painted as nothing more than frivolous fun--sometimes with a little fundraising thrown in--a growing number of hosts are creating events where the guests work hard to do good. For example, Sherman Oaks, Calif.-based Extraordinary Events helped client CEMEX create a team-building event in Cancun, Mexico, that took 300 executives miles away from the resort's famed playgrounds to rebuild another sort of playground--at a school for poor children.

The executives were divided into teams--electrical, landscaping, plumbing, etc.--based on their own skills. On site, the executives were joined by students and parents to lay sod, paint, finish electrical work and apply stucco. The result included a new library, a first for the school.

The project used CEMEX products--which include cement and other building materials--enabling the executives to see their own products in action.

See the full story in the March issue of Special Events Magazine.

Photo by Shirley Borchardt