Gamers for Giving raised over $1.25 million for charity during its annual LAN party & streaming marathon dubbed.
Hosted by Gamers Outreach, the event set a new record and will equip hospitals with a multitude of video game hardware.
Hundreds of video game enthusiasts gathered in Michigan last weekend for the event, raising more than $1.25 million for charity. The annual “Gamers for Giving” event is a LAN party and streaming marathon, during which attendees play video games, participate in tournaments, and host live broadcasts to thousands of viewers on the internet.
“Our event is like a modern-day Jerry Lewis telethon, but with video games,” said Zach Wigal, executive director of Gamers Outreach, in a statement. “The funds raised will help us deliver on hundreds of requests we’ve received from hospital partners providing care to families.”
Since its inception in 2008, the fundraiser has generated millions of dollars to help restore joy and normalcy in the lives of hospitalized children. Donations support therapeutic equipment for patients such as the “GO Karts” (Gamers Outreach Karts) – which are portable video game kiosks that enable play experiences for recovering families.
Another innovative program, Save Point, provides toys and prizes to kids through high tech vending machines placed in hospitals. The impact of the fundraiser has been felt worldwide. An estimated 5 million children benefit from Gamers Outreach programs each year. The organization actively supports video game devices in more than 400 hospitals.
This year’s fundraiser set a new event record for the organization. Joined by notable Twitch streamers and YouTube creators, more than 1,200 attendees participated in the sold out onsite event, with many thousands more participating on the internet and donating to online streams.
Next year’s event is scheduled to take place across April 11 to 13, 2025, and will once again return to
the George Gervin GameAbove Center.