Open Happiness delivers fun in Coke machines

ECU student Naeem Pearson found an XBOX KINECT dispensed with his Diet Coke on Feb. 22.

Sodas weren’t the only things a special Coke vending machine set up in Dowdy Student Store was dispensing on Feb. 22. For only a dollar, a soft drink came with a surprise.  Everything from small boxes of candy, fresh baked brownies, pizza slices, 2 liter drinks, and water guns, to ECU t-shirts, Dowdy gift cards and even a slip-n-slide were dispensed.

The machine was part of The Coca-Cola Company’s Open Happiness College Tour 2013.  The visit was its first at ECU, which awarded exclusive pouring rights to Coca-Cola Bottling Company Consolidated in 2010.

One student, Naeem Pearson, received an XBOX KINECT with his Diet Coke. Cans of Silly String were popular, and in the spirit of fun, were always delivered with several squirts from a black gloved hand from inside the machine.

Quinell Sanders, an administrative support associate in the Registrar’s Office, recieved an unexpected bonus when she put a dollar in the machine near the end of the promotion. Instead of one soda, Sanders took the grand prize, enough bottles to fill about seven large shopping bags, and plenty to share with those around. She had to call her office for help to bring them all back.

Proceeds from the three-hour promotion were donated to the Boys and Girls Club.

Click on images below to see larger photos.

Joyce Sealey with Dining Services received Silly String with her bottle of water.

For a three-hour period on Friday, this special Coke vending machine set up in Dowdy Student Store was dispensing surprises, like this bag of cookies, with the drinks.

Quinell Sanders, an administrative support associate in the Registrar’s Office, holds some of the many drinks she received as the grand prize winner of Friday’s Open Happiness vending machine promotion.