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Have you ever wondered how many turtles are swimming in the little pond at the U of A? How about the most epic place in all of Tucson? If you had, then you would have had an advantage in solving following the creative and complicated clues that were the staple of a high-tech treasure hunt on May 2.
The questions may have been trivial, but the prize in Marshall’s Jewelers Diamond Dash was substantial: a $15,000 diamond engagement ring to the winner.
By partnering with interactive gaming and marketing experts SCVNGR, Marshall’s built the Tucson-wide game which delivered clues and riddles to participants’ cell phones via text messages to create a an adventure that spanned three fun and frantic hours.
The competition began with 1,500 entries, drawn through widespread media coverage by local NBC affiliate Channel 4 and radio stations KRZ, KLPX and KFMA. Three hundred couples ultimately participated by running, rollerblading and bicycling throughout the city in search of the grand prize, a spectacular Hearts on Fire diamond ring.
In the end, it was University of Arizona student Eddie Caratachea who won the diamond ring, solving the final riddle just seconds ahead of another team. Upon being awarded the prize, he promptly proposed to his girlfriend of five years, Chelsea Hodges. An unforgettable beginning for the pair, for certain.
The innovative marketing event was staged in response to the current economic slump, which is said to have prevented many couples from being able to purchase engagement rings.
Congratulations Eddie and Chelsea!
SCVNGR
Marshall’s Jewelers
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