Throughout the planning of the Boxed In fundraiser, the safety of Parker Games and all those involved was our number one priority. As soon as Take This was approached by Parker Games and Xtreme Events with this idea, we began to discuss safety and the risks of isolation. Because Take This’ mission is rooted in sustainable wellness practices and education, we discussed how to create an exciting fundraiser which also maintained the wellness of all those involved.
The Boxed In fundraising event should be viewed as a performative metaphor for the isolation and loneliness many of us have faced in the last year and not as a risky endurance challenge involving extreme deprivation. Such self-harming practices are squarely against Take This’ mission. For the sake of transparency, established safety protocols for the Boxed In event are summarized below.
Do Not Attempt This Type of Fundraiser At Home
Please do not attempt to deliberately isolate yourself for any length of time or attempt this type of fundraiser on your own. Isolation carries many established risks to physical and emotional wellness. Production magic might make it look like Parker is locked in and alone, but in addition to having a production crew present throughout this fundraiser, he may leave the box or halt streaming activities at any time.
Additionally, the Boxed In fundraiser will be conducted under the supervision of a licensed physician, Bruce Leibert, MD. A detailed safety plan was created in coordination with and approved by Dr. Leibert. If Dr. Leibert has any concerns – at any point – about any risks to Parker’s mental or physical health, he has the authority to remove Parker from the box temporarily or permanently, as well as halt any streaming activities.
Daily Medical and Emotional Check-ins
Dr. Leibert will be checking in with Parker daily and conducting a physical and mental wellness assessment. If Dr. Leibert has any concerns about Parker’s safety, he has the authority – as stated above – to remove Parker from the box as well as halt streaming activities. In addition, Parker’s production team will be checking in on Parker’s distress levels throughout each day and reporting them to Dr. Leibert.
Parker May Halt the Stream or Remove Himself From the Box at Any Time
As mentioned above, this fundraiser is meant as a metaphor for the loneliness and isolation that many of us have faced during the last year. As such, Parker may remove himself, temporarily or permanently, from the box at any time. He may also halt the stream at any point.
The Production Crew May Halt the Stream or Remove Parker From the Box at Any Time
If the production crew ever believes that Parker is in any distress or putting himself at risk, they may – at any time – remove Parker from the box or halt streaming activities. They may also contact Dr. Leibert at any time for consultative advice, and if they believe Parker is in serious danger, they will call for first responders immediately.
Highlighting Wellness and Safety Practices
Throughout the Boxed In event, Parker and his production team will take opportunities to highlight the safety procedures in place, as well as any wellness practices that Parker engages in.