Who Are the Teams to Beat in the Big Idea Challenge?

A snapshot of two powerhouse teams in the Big Idea Challenge: What do teams competing in the Big Idea Challenge look like?

They are diverse, ranging from family teams, to groups of co-workers, to school friends and others. They all share a love of competition, puzzles and the Community Idea Stations. Here’s a look at two of our top teams:

Dogtown Abbey:
Dogtown Abbey is made up entirely of O’Keefe family members, including captain Kelly O’Keefe, his sisters (librarians and Jeopardy champs), wife Cristy, three sons, one daughter-in-law and one fiancé. Their secret weapon: son Tom O’Keefe, a certified Euro game geek, chess champ, puzzle wiz and all around game genius. Tom is a teacher at Seven Hills School, where he founded the game club. Tom leads Dogtown Abbey’s Sunday morning puzzle solving efforts, enabling the team to complete the first two puzzle challenges first in the pack.

Big Bird's Brain Trust:
Big Bird’s Brain Trust is a motley crew, comprised of members, many of whom first met as a result of the Big Idea Challenge. Led by captain John Shiffer, the group’s strategy has been to amass a points advantage - by fundraising. At one point per dollar raised, BBBT has  raced away from the crowd by focusing their efforts on winning easy points available through collecting donations from friends and family. They aren’t too shabby at puzzle solving, either, completing both puzzle challenges early in the week. In John’s words,
“Why is Big Bird’s Brain Trust so darn good? Team work and lots of BIG brains!” BBBT challenges all other Big Idea Challenge teams to meet them at the final event on June 2nd. “We’ll be the ones holding the trophy, and, more importantly, we’ll be the team that raised the most money for CIS!”

These are the teams to beat in the Big Idea Challenge. Keep your eye on the leader board - scores change daily!