NEW YORK, NY — Gaming enthusiasts throughout the Hudson Valley united on Saturday, November 7, to play the games they love and raise money to benefit sick and injured children. Their efforts, part of the national Extra Life program’s 24-hour gaming marathon, made Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital the biggest winner of the day.
The gamers, 270 in all across the Hudson Valley, raised more than $25,000 for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital, a member of the Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth). Family, friends and co-workers sponsored participants for every hour they played through Extra Life, a gaming program founded in 2008 that has raised $20 million for the 170 Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the United States and Canada – including Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Last year’s Extra Life gaming marathon raised $17,000 for Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital.
A local activation of the national Extra Life event, a 12-hour gaming marathon held the same day at Westchester Medical Center’s Taylor Conference Center, drew more than 80 gamers. They enjoyed an array of video gaming platforms — including PS4, Xbox One, Wii U and GameCube – as well as role-playing games and traditional board games. Representatives from Microsoft and Nintendo led activities and handed out prizes.
Several former and current Children’s Hospital patients attended the event and fundraised for the hospital. Participants also made the day brighter for a Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital patient who was unable to participate in the gaming event in person. Those who could took part in a live remote feed from the Taylor Conference Center to the patient’s room.
Other Extra Life fundraising events took place on the same day in Mamaroneck and New Paltz. All proceeds generated by Hudson Valley residents – wherever they participated – benefit Maria Fareri Children’s Hospital. Contributions can still be made to the Hudson Valley’s children’s hospital through Extra Life by going to www.extra-life.org.
