Extra Life is an organization that began in 2008 with the goal of raising money and awareness for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals across the United States. The concept was simple, yet unique: Raise money by having sponsors donate to support their favorite gamers participating in a 24-hour gaming marathon.
In 2010, Extra Life raised $450,000, and in 2015 raised $8.3 million. The number of participants bolstered as well over the years, increasing from 4,500 members to 55,000.
Over the years, numerous groups have come together to help further this cause. Many groups stream their events, with the intention that people will watch their gaming marathons and donate to the cause. Some participants host speed runs of their favorite games, while others will take on certain challenges or achievements to attract viewers.
Last year, the Chess and Strategy Game Club at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia participated for the first time, after being introduced to the Extra Life event by a new college employee who had participated in prior years. Despite the short notice, the club hosted and ran a full 24-hour event, and managed to raise just over $1,500 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
This year, the club is once again partaking in the event, with the aim to double last year’s fundraising total. This year, the Garnet & Grey Gamers will hold their game day from Friday, November 4th at 8:00 PM to 8:00 PM Saturday night in Hampden Sydney’s library.
We are asking the GameSkinny community to help us meet our fundraising goal. Any and all donations, big or small, are greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance for your support!
You can view the roster of participants or donate to the cause on our team’s page. For additional information, you can check out coverage from last year’s event. And to tune in to the stream, you can visit the hosting channel on Twitch.
