80s Dodgeball is a community movement that brings people together through play, nostalgia, and purpose.

Inspired by the music, style, and energy of the 1980s - the decade I was born in - we create experiences where neighbors can laugh, compete, reconnect, and build lasting relationships. We believe that strong communities aren't built only in meetings or classrooms - they're built on courts, at cookouts, through shared experiences, and in moments of genuine joy.

The movement began in 2014 as an 80s-themed birthday celebration for event found, Mahogany Purpose (formerally Villars). Instead of asking friends to bring gifts for her, she invited them to bring donations for a local cause. That first event supported Transform Burien, helping stock the shelves of a local food bank. What started as a simple act of giving has grown into a community tradition that combines fun with purpose.

Today, 80s Dodgeball hosts experiences that bring people together while supporting stronger, healthier communities. From tournaments and community kickbacks to music, family activities, wellness resources, and local partnerships, every event is designed to create connection and leave a positive impact.

Whether you're playing, partnering, volunteering, or cheering from the sidelines, you're helping build something bigger than a game.

What started as a birthday celebration in 2014 has grown into a community tradition built around fun, connection, and giving back.

Born in the 1980s, Mahogany Purpose created the first 80s Dodgeball event as a way to celebrate her birthday while supporting a greater cause. Instead of asking friends to bring gifts for her, she invited them to bring donations for Transform Burien, a local foodbank serving Burien residents. 

The idea was simple: bring people together, have fun, and do something meaningful.

At the time, Mahogany was working as a social worker for the state - a demanding role. Dodgeball had become one of her favorite activities while volunteering at the church she attended and she wanted to bring that same energy and joy back to her family and friends.

The first event created the foundation. While attendance was smaller than she hoped, the energy and impact were enough to inspire a second year. After learning a valuable lesson about competing with a Seattle Seahawks playoff game, the event returned stronger - and continued growing. By the fourth celebration, 80s Dodgeball had become an annual tradition.

Today, 80s Dodgeball is more than a game. It is a space where adults can be free, children can show up fully as themselves, and neighbors become family through music, laughter, competition, and connection.

Each event continues to support important community causes, from hunger and literacy to mental wellness. But at the heart of it all is one simple belief:

Fun matters. Joy brings people together. Community is built when we make time to play.

80s Dodgeball was created during a season of grief following the loss of Mahogany's brother, Jamaal. Rather than celebrate alone, she chose to create something that honored his life by bringing people together.

And that tradition continues today.