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The purpose of this research is to analyze the sense of community derived among charity sport event participants by exploring and applying the six structural and cultural properties of Gemeinschaft among participants: dense and demanding social ties; social attachments to and involvement in institutions; ritual occasions; small group size; perceptions of similarity with others; and common beliefs in an idea system, moral order, institution, or group. Specifically, an assessment of the structural and cultural properties of community was made allowing for an initial exploration of the extent to which this community can achieve desired social outcomes on behalf of a charitable organization. Semistructured interviews (n 5 46) were conducted with 2009 Lance Armstrong Foundation LIVE-STRONG Challenge participants. Results reveal that five of the six properties of community were present among participants. While a sense of community was found to be present, challenges within this community are identified that may constrain the charity from achieving the desired social change. These concern consistency in participant involvement with the charity as well as similarities and common beliefs creating too much sameness within the community. Suggestions are made for charitable organizations to provide training and mentoring to event participants to facilitate consistent and effective advancement of the charity's mission. Specific actions are outlined to confront these challenges and assist the organization in advancing social change.

In many cases, athletics department spending has been spurred by a desire to field more competitive athletics programs, and it has been assumed that spending more would result in greater on-the-field success for the athletics program. However, little empirical evidence exists to support this assumption, and few studies have explored financials trends related to cost-benefit of intercollegiate athletics program. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the relationship between on-the-field success and spending while also exploring current trends. The authors drew longitudinal data from EADA reports and then examined the association with Directors' Cup rankings at the end of these respective seasons. The results indicated that a relationship between overall expenses and on-thefield success does exist, and points to operating expenses, rather than coaching salaries and recruiting expenses, as having greatest influence on this relationship. The cost-benefit analysis and trends over time are also explored and discussed.

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