Pagosa Puzzle Palooza – making a difference, one piece at a time!

Our inaugural Pagosa Puzzle Palooza was a high-energy, community-spirited fundraising event that brought together friends, families, and neighbors, some all the way from Durango, in support of Archuleta Seniors Inc. Teams competed to complete a timed jigsaw puzzle challenge while also raising funds through team sponsorships, proving that teamwork and generosity go hand in hand.
12 Teams consisting of 46 competitors were welcomed with Pizza courtesy of our local Dublin Crust & Brew, and a table full of Award Puzzles stood waiting for the winners of this competition, provided by our Local Hodge Podge.  Our 12 identical competition puzzles were donated by Master Pieces Puzzles.
Competition to complete a 500-piece puzzle in under 3 hours was fierce and fun! 1st Place was claimed by Team THINKING OUTSIDE THE BOX, finishing with an incredible time of 47 minutes and 20 seconds. In true small-town fashion, this team came together when two separate two-person teams were paired—only to discover they had met before. Gotta love a small town!
2nd Place went to Team PUZZLED AND CONFUSED, who were anything but, completing their puzzle in 1 hour, 6 minutes, and 45 seconds.
After a minor setback and a strong comeback, 3rd Place was awarded to Team EDGES FIRST, finishing with a time of 1 hour, 10 minutes, and 26 seconds.
The Home Team, our Staff the PIECE KEEPERS, led the way in fundraising and earned recognition for Most Funds Raised, by rallying incredible local support for our senior community.
The remaining team standings rounded out a fun and friendly afternoon of competition, Puzzle Masters All!!!:

• 4th Place – Puzzle Sharks
• 5th Place – Piece of Work
• 6th Place – Puzzle Puff Girls
• 7th Place – The Sky is the Limit
• 8th Place – Puzzle Guzzlers
• 9th Place – On the Edge
• 10th Place – Joyful Jigsawers
• 11th & 12th Place – Home teams Piece Keepers and Pieced Together, wrapped up the afternoon by pitching in alongside our Board of Directors volunteers to help with cleanup. We love our dedicated staff and volunteers!

The enthusiasm didn’t stop when the last puzzle piece was placed. Many participants were overheard suggesting we host this event every year—or even every month! We’re thrilled everyone had such a great time and we will certainly take those suggestions to heart.
Fundraising by the teams was a wonderful success, with a grand total of $4,685 raised. Thank you to all the teams who rallied their sponsors to donate in support of our senior community. Pagosa Puzzle Palooza truly showed what’s possible when our community comes together for a great cause.