Kuraray America Hosts Candemonium to Support San Jacinto College Students

More than 2,400 cans. Five teams. One shared commitment to giving back.

Kuraray America, Inc. recently hosted Candemonium, a can-building challenge that brought together employees and their families from across the company’s Houston-area sites for an afternoon of creativity, teamwork, and friendly competition.

While the structures now exist only in photos, the impact will last much longer. Together, participants donated more than 2,400 cans to San Jacinto College, helping support students in need.

Each team brought its own creativity, purpose, and personality to the event.

The Can-Do Crew, led by Kristi Runyon Murray, built a semi-truck representing how Kuraray America connects products, people, and communities.

The CANpliance Team, led by Guerline Rosemond, decided after a thorough “risk assessment” that the safest structure was no structure at all. Their motto: “We CAN — but we shouldn’t!”

The Can-Do KuraSafe Crew, co-led by Zachary Payne and Riley Barton, built Tokyo Tower, recognizing Kuraray’s home country of Japan while symbolizing innovation, resilience, and growth.

Team EVAL, led by Jerri Duplissey-Darr, created a One KAI display highlighting sustainability, giving back, and the impact employees can make together.

Team SEPTON, led by Scott Owens, built a Minion-inspired display, adding a fun element for children while supporting the overall donation effort.

Kuraray America thanks everyone who donated cans, contributed ideas, and helped bring Candemonium to life. Together, the Houston-area teams turned creativity and teamwork into meaningful support for students in the local community.

Special thanks to Murray Adelstein, Sandy Scott, and Reshma Bond for organizing the event and bringing it all together, and to Imelda R. from San Jacinto College for coordinating the donation drop-off.

As Kuraray commemorates its centennial, Candemonium reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to community involvement, employee engagement, and giving back.

Character likeness was used for a non-commercial, charitable team-building activity. No affiliation with or endorsement by Universal Pictures or Illumination is implied.