What are the Odds?
March Madness is back, baby. If you’ve ever seen a 16-seed underdog winning a game against a powerhouse top-seed with a last-second shot, you know why they call it March Madness. Yes, you may have never heard of UMBC (University of Maryland-Baltomore County), but unless you’re a diehard UVa fan, you were happy for the Retrievers when they dispatched the Cavs in 2018. In the past I’ve found myself cheering on lots of underdogs; The St. Peters Peter’s Peacocks, The Fairleigh Dickinson Knights and of course, my beloved VCU Rams – the only team to ever go from the First Four to Final Four in 2011. Thousands of excited fans streaming joyously onto the court. The announcer excitedly yells into the microphone. The cheerleaders, the band, the students and the team jump up and down in unison. It’s a sheer spectacle on TV. To be there is euphoric. (For a time in 2011, I was there – in Texas.)
The NCAA Basketball Championship, as it is officially known, has always been a keen sporting event to watch on TV, but it has grown into a cultural phenomenon that transcends sport. You don’t have to be a b-ball fan to enjoy the game. You don’t have to be a fan to fill out a bracket in your office pool. Because it’s essentially a toss-up.
If you simply flip a coin to make selections, your odds of picking a perfect March Madness bracket is 1 in 9,223,372,036,865,776,808. One in 9.2 Quintillion. If you follow the game and know a little about the schools, the players, and the rankings, your odds dramatically improve; 1 in 120,200,000,000 (1 in 120.2 Billion). By comparison, the odds of winning the Powerball Lottery are generally much better; 1 in 292,201,338.
I’m in 7 different pools – from the office (Madison+Madness) to Midlothian Rotary (charity) to friends (cash) and family (bragging rights). It’s day 2 of March Madness and 4 of the 7 brackets are already busted. But it’s ok. I don’t care.
Because VCU produced an historic upset over highly regarded UNC last night, so I’m thrilled. I’ve lost my voice. I’m tired, yet excited. VCU! GO RAMS GO! I have one bracket that predicts they will return to the Final Four. What are the odds? Hmmm.
Have a great week everyone, and embrace the madness.
MONDAY:
BLOOD CANCER UNITED
In case you haven’t heard, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society has re-branded as Blood Cancer United. Same great organization, but new and improved name. (The last one was more than a mouthful.) My daughter Hattie, a High School music teacher in Nashville, is raising money for BCU and running a 5K. She’s raised about 400 dollars so far. Can you help her help folks living with Leukemia and Lymphoma? Maybe chip in a few $ here. I am extremely grateful and so is Hattie. Thanks.
TUESDAY:
PARTY FOR ST. PATTY’S
We gathered Tuesday in-office for some St Pat-approved fun for the holiday – with special thanks to VP Leanne Pillow, who despite feeling under the weather, made sure some holiday-approved snacks and bevs were delivered to our hub for the Madison+Main-iacs. Also a huge thank you to Account Manager Erin Brennan who brought in an unbelievably delicious Lucky Charm marshmallow snack mix that felt like our own personal pot o’ gold!
WEDNESDAY:
EASY AS PI
Texas Inn gives back every year on March 14th – Pi Day – to local school systems and beyond by donating the proceeds from sales of their delicious pie, (priced at 3.14). Supporting education has never been more delicious – and folks noticed! Check out just one slice of the great coverage the Texas Inn received!
THURSDAY:
DOUBLE THE CELEBRATION
Madison+Main celebrated two of the brightest stars in our work firmament today – President Molly Whitfield’s birthday and Creative Director Carissa Ghaffari’s eighth work anniversary both were this Thursday! These two make each day better and brighter, in so many ways. There aren’t enough words – even for us copywriter types – to fully thank them for all they do!
FRIDAY:
DAVE’S BACK ON THE (AIR)WAVES
Called into WRVA for my weekly update with Rich Herrera on all things RVA this weekend – and of course, where to catch the best of March Madness! ICYMI, here’s the link.
A FEW OF OUR FAVORITE EVENTS
The 40th Annual Church Hill Irish Festival Presented by St. Patrick’s Church
25th and E. Broad Street
Historic Church Hill – Richmond, Virginia
Saturday, March 21st: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Sunday, March 22nd: 10:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Irish Festival proceeds benefit many local organizations including Child Savers, Chimborazo School, Bellevue School, Church Hill Boys and Girls Club, Henrico Christmas Mother, Saint Francis Home, Sandston USO, and McShin Foundation.
Richmond SPCA’s 24th Annual Dog Jog, 5K and Block Party
At the Richmond SPCA | 2519 Hermitage Road
Saturday, March 21, 2026
5K at 10 a.m.
Kids Fun Run at 11 a.m.
Dog Jog at 11:30 a.m.
Block Party from 12–5 p.m.
After Pawty from 5–9 p.m.
Donate, sign up, and get ready to put paws on the ground! Sign up here to give back, and then plan to stick around for a block party with special activities for kids and pets, live music and other entertainment, beer and food trucks and an outdoor marketplace filled with sponsors and other vendors offering giveaways and cool merch for sale.
“When something is important enough, you do it even if the odds are not in your favor.” – Elon Musk