Child’s Play Charity celebrated 10 years of giving back on behalf of gamers by announcing that they’ve generated a staggering $20 million dollars in 10 years of operation. Each year the donations seem to get larger and the charity seems to get even more attention. Child’s Play has accomplished things that most other charities just dream about and the whole thing was made by a couple of video game web comic nerds who had no business making a charity in the first place yet totally succeeded and changed lives.
Many gamers these days support Child’s Play by purchasing Humble Bundles, tuning into gaming marathon fund drives, and simply donating directly on the Child’s Play Charity website. If you’ve never donated before please consider it this year.
Author: On a personal note I remember the first Child’s Play drive quite well as I was a loyal Penny Arcade reader. I had just turned 20 and was making at least enough money to donate a few bucks and did so proudly. I think back in those days you could pick what the money went to by buying something off of a wish list. Regardless I probably gave less than $15 total but for a kid in college and working in a grocery store that’s like 3 hours of work.
Check out the full Child’s Play press release after the break.
Ten years ago today, gamers worldwide were called upon to brighten the holidays for sick kids at Seattle Children’s Hospital. The response then was phenomenal, and since that point gamers worldwide have shown their generosity year after year. Since our inception, the gaming community has now raised over $20 million – $2.5 million in 2013 alone
These donations have made a remarkable impact in the lives of children in our network of hospitals, which has grown to over 90 facilites worldwide. In addition to our hospital network, donations are now going to provide domestic violence facilities with game carts to help kids and their families through an incredibly traumatic experience. Dr. Bradley Leech summarizes it well: “That is a reality that Child’s Play Charity is doing for our kids – adding a smile to their faces at a time when it is needed the most.”
Speaking of smiles, the 7th Annual Desert Bus for Hope has concluded its long journey, and the results are nothing short of stunning. After 6 days and 11 hours of bussing, they raised over $520,000 for Child’s Play. Fundraisers like Desert Bus exemplify why the Child’s Play community is so remarkable: hundreds of hours of preparation, thousands participating in chat and viewing the stream, visitors, call-ins, auctions and giveaways. The comprehensive effort on the part of everyone involved will positively impact the lives of thousands of kids around the world for years to come. We’re so grateful to the Desert Bus team and donors. Thank you to each and every one of you.
If you’re planning to celebrate our 10th Anniversary at our Dinner Auction but haven’t purchased your tickets yet, do so right away – there are only a few left, and it’s looking like they’ll sell out today or tomorrow. It’s going to be an extra-special celebration with music provided by the Doubleclicks and special guest hosts, Scott Kurtz and Kris Straub.
Ten years. $20 million. Hundreds of thousands of lives. And it wouldn’t have been possible without you. Thank you.
