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(Continued from page 8)
Communication is always a bit of a challenge when one is underwater. By playing underwater Monopoly, one is confronted by this challenge more than ever. In some cases, a simple hand signal is adequate, even simpler than some spoken statements as well. When asking for a rent payment, a simple hand outstretched signals the other diver that rent is due. Then, in order to determine the amount, one can show fingers or hand the property card to the other player for examination. However, being the Monopoly veteran that I am, I have become more accustomed to asking for the big rents with a little heckle, chuckle, or even the "Ha! Ha! Ha!" when the other player has been pretty smug about collecting his or her own rents. This has all been in fun, of course. But, being underwater does tend to reduce the heckling a bit. Yes, we did have a slate, and yes, we did use it to communicate the more elaborate details to the opposite player, but it wasn't quite as much fun to heckle when one had to write it all out on a slate.
Some of the greatest pleasure in playing underwater Monopoly came from seeing the people that had come
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to watch us play. Most seemed fascinated and amused to see people actually playing Monopoly underwater, especially the kids. I think the kids were the best part, because a simple wave would cause them so much excitement. On one occasion, my opponent and I wrote out some messages on the slate and showed them to faces waiting patiently at the Plexiglas. A simple message of "hello" caused several kids to jump up and down. This was fun! Of course, we sort of had a job to do, but taking a moment to flirt with the kids, made it a blast for us. The smiles and the returned waves meant a great deal.
The marathon generated about $57,000. It's even said that $20,000 came from single individual. Many great organizations donated food and goodies to the cause. We had bagels, pizza, chips, mineral water, sodas, cookies, fruit bars…all the things that divers need to maintain buoyancy! Of course, the non-edible stuff was good too, like a free ticket to Sea World, a sport bag, a towel and a T-shirt. However, the grand prize for bringing in the most money, was a dive trip to Cozumel. This year, they'll have the T-shirt, the sport bag, etc., but to anyone that brings in at least
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$2,500, they will receive a dive trip to Grand Cayman Island. And, the grand prize will be a dive trip to Costa Rica. This year, the folks at the foundation are just hoping to hit the $50,000 mark, due to the fact that there will be a few less divers.
The proceeds of the Underwater Monopoly Marathon benefit the Arthritis Foundation. Although I initially became involved due to the fact that this was yet another dive experience to be had, it was after reading the Foundation's literature that I was really moved. The information that they provide, quite factually states how many thousands of children are in pain due to Arthritis. We're not talking elderly people that have had a long and fruitful life, but mere children. Just the thought of kids suffering is all it took for me to want to help. Every dollar raised is that much closer to ending the suffering. As a Dive Animal, what better way to help but by doing something we all enjoy…diving!
Contact the Arthritis Foundation at 619-492-1090
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