The employees at IBI Data who organized a ball last weekend to benefit Relay for Life deserve thanks not only for their fund-raising efforts but for their creativity.

The Black and White Ball, which raised $4,000, was a first-of-its-kind event that provided a chance for some fun. Unlike the vast majority of fund-raising, which simply involves asking people for money, the ball added a community aspect that there’s all too little of these days. It was also in keeping with the Relay for Life ethos, which is also about bringing people together in a good cause.

It’s good when new ideas succeed. We hope this year’s Black and White Ball was the start of a tradition.