Children's Miracle Network Hospitals 2016 'Gaming' results

2016 Gamers on a mission

Game lovers of all levels and categories (console, mobile, PC, table-top, etc.), joined together for a 24-hour marathon on Saturday, Nov. 5, 2016, to save and improve the lives of children living in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.  Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) program, is a nation-wide fundraising phenomenon that adds a life-saving purpose to playing video, board and lawn games.

In the Jacksonville/Brunswick community, gamers raised $16,982 to purchase life-saving medical equipment, educational resources and child-life activities for local CMN Hospitals – Wolfson Children’s Hospital and UF Health Jacksonville. Children who spend time in these hospitals enjoy gaming as a distraction from their medical challenges and Extra Life honors that joy.

Either playing solo or on a team, marathon participants invited friends and family to donate toward their personal fundraising page, often sharing their story and connection to the cause. Some players even broadcast their efforts via live stream to encourage their fans around the world to make a contribution.

While many completed the marathon from home, the Jacksonville Guild hosted a 12 hour live game day marathon in the UNF Student Union Ballroom and encouraged participants to bring out their consoles, PCs and tabletop sets. The event included a live gaming stream and interactive entertainment opportunities while showcasing local families who have been impacted by CMN Hospitals’ funds.

Preparations are being made for the 2017 event.  Interested gamers can follow Extra Life Team Jax on Facebook or sign up at www.Extra-Life.org for next year’s event.