chess board competition set
Gaston Chess: A Pro Bono Success Story

Written by Brittany Degnan

March 12, 2024

In chess and life, success demands sharp moves and strategic thinking. Ramsey Stiles, a savvy senior at Highland School of Technology in Gaston County, NC, discovered an unexpected link between chess and marketing—a tale of chance and opportunity. Proving connections can be found where least expected, WiT Group helped create a website for the newly created Gaston Chess Club. Originally this was thought to be a simple website used for a school project; however, the simple project soon developed into a hub for connecting the Gaston County community and attracting chess aficionados from miles around the Citizen’s Resource Center!

A School Project Takes Root

Ramsey Stiles, an avid chess player since third grade, founded Gaston Chess to bridge the gap in chess opportunities within his community. Facing challenges such as disbanding his school’s chess club and limited playing venues, Stiles took matters into his own hands. His vision was to create a space where players of all ages and skill levels could gather, learn, and compete.

WiT Group's Pro Bono Initiative

The Gaston Chess website project was an excellent opportunity to support our longstanding client, Calvin Stiles, and his son, Ramsey Stiles, in a good cause. When the chess club at Gaston High School was shut down, this website build became a great way to foster a strong client relationship and assist a community in need. With camaraderie and a commitment to supporting our clients beyond the conventional, we happily offered our pro bono services to create this dynamic website for Stiles’ chess club. This project reflects our genuine satisfaction from contributing to community initiatives.
ramsey stiles holding chess piece
gaston chess club players finishing chess matches
gaston chess winner looks into camera

Building the Foundation for Success

The website played an essential role in transforming Gaston Chess from a small club to a vibrant organization. With the ability to efficiently communicate and coordinate events, turnouts on Tuesdays increased significantly, reaching 40-50 people. The success of Gaston Chess wasn’t just about the game; it became a testament to the power of community involvement and the impact of strategic partnerships.

Our team designed a platform highlighting events, schedules and fostering community engagement through interactive Q&A. This hands-on approach highlights our commitment to leveraging technology for meaningful connections. The success of Gaston Chess speaks to WiT Group’s dedication to creating a functional website that goes beyond a standard online presence, meeting the unique needs of a passionate chess community.

gaston county chess website on all devices

From Passion to Community

Ramsey Stiles’ passion for chess and his commitment to Gaston Chess turned a school project into a community movement. The website designed and hosted by WiT Group allowed Stiles to connect with like-minded individuals, fostering an inclusive environment for chess enthusiasts to learn, compete, and share their love for the game.

Passing the Torch

As Ramsey Stiles prepares to head off to college, Gaston Chess stands as a testament to the impact of his vision and the collaborative efforts of WiT Group. The website’s success means that Gaston Chess is now well-equipped for a smooth leadership transition. Stiles leaves behind a thriving organization, ensuring someone else can take up the mantle and continue nurturing the chess community in his absence.

Looking Forward

In a recent interview with the Gaston Gazette, Ramsey Stiles, who hopes to study robotic engineering and physics at Georgia Tech, reflected on the journey: “I enjoyed teaching those new to the game as well as competing against all skill levels.” His vision extended beyond personal victories on the chessboard, aspiring to see chess embraced as a school sport, recognizing its potential to enhance cognitive skills.

The Gaston Chess success story exemplifies the transformative impact of collaborative initiatives and the dedication of individuals and organizations working towards a common goal. As Ramsey Stiles heads off to college, Gaston Chess will continue to thrive, leaving a legacy of community, strategy, and the power of a well-executed plan—both on and off the chessboard.

<a href="https://witgroupagency.com/author/bdegnan/" target="_self">Brittany Degnan</a>

Brittany Degnan

Author

Brittany Degnan is a PR and Brand Manager for WiT Group and works out of the Columbia SC office.
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