Get your charity on.
It's time once again, oh Geekkateers, to show the world that we're not all a bunch of crazy, gun wielding psychopaths just because we happen to enjoy interactive video entertainment. That's right, Child's Play 2007 has officially begun. For those of you who don't know, the crew over at Penny Arcade created a brand new charity back in 2003, where gamers donate money or buy gifts through Amazon to be donated to the Seattle Children's Hospital. Just like everything else PA has done in recent years, the event has grown exponentially and now works with a network of hospitals that spans the globe.
And this isn't one of them phony, shady, "give us some money for our huge paychecks and we might give the rest to some people in need" kind of charity. Absolutely 100% of everything that comes in goes directly to the beneficiaries of this charity. Mike and Jerry don't take even the slightest slice off the top for "administrative fees" or other crap like that.
In a world where gamers are are stereotyped as anti-social, violent, uncaring, selfish, etc., this is our chance to really prove them all wrong. But more importantly, it's a chance to participate in something wonderful and make a real difference in the lives of some children that may be facing the toughest days they will ever experience. Head on over to ChildsPlayCharity.org to find out what you can do to help your nearest children's hospital.
Check the full press release after the jump.
World's Largest Game Community Charity Launches
Dates for Seattle Charity Auction Dinner Announced
Seattle, WA - November 2, 2007 - Child's Play (www.childsplaycharity.org) is proud to announce the opening of its charity drive. The organization, which started as a fundraiser for the Seattle Children's Hospital, has since raised over two million dollars in toys, games and cash through its online toy drive and annual charity auction to over 45 hospitals worldwide.
"For the first ten months of the year, our community makes, plays and breathes games." said Kristin Lindsay at Child's Play. "Our holiday drive is not only an opportunity to share that joy with those that need it, but it's also a great way to show the strength of our culture."
Now in its fifth year, Child's Play has expanded its network of beneficiary hospitals to over 25 states and five countries across the globe with additional partner hospitals being added each month. Child's Play works in conjunction with Amazon.com to create wish lists for participating hospitals. Individual donors can choose to give new items ranging from toddler toys to music CDs, videogames, game consoles and accessories. Gifts are delivered directly to hospitals in need and are tax deductible as denoted by law.
The annual Child's Play Fundraiser Dinner Auction will be held Tuesday, December 11, 2007 at the Washington State Convention and Trade Center in Seattle, Washington. The semi-formal evening features a silent auction, dinner and live auction. In 2006 the dinner raised over $200,000 in one night, with all fundraising proceeds going directly to the Child's Play network of hospitals.
Child's Play is seeking corporate donations for giveaway at Children's Hospitals as well as auction items for the fundraising dinner. For information on how to become a corporate or individual donor or how hospitals can become involved please contact Kristin Lindsay at klindsay@penny-arcade.com or 206.274.0024.
About Child's Play
Child's Play is a non-profit organization begun in 2003 by Gabe and Tycho, the creators of the Penny Arcade comic strip, as a way to help sick children and show the world the softer side of people who play videogames. Through the generosity of gamers and the videogame industry, Child's Play has raised millions dollars in toys, games and cash for children's hospitals worldwide through an ongoing online toy drive and annual charity auction. Now in its fifth year, Child's Play is continuing to develop a worldwide network of beneficiary hospitals in order to brighten hospital stays for children internationally. For more information go to www.childsplaycharity.org.
What say you?!