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.

Children's Miracle Network to benefit from local Gamers

Local gamers of all levels and from all categories — console, mobile, PC, table-top, etc. — are uniting for one cause on Saturday, November 5: to save and improve the lives of kids treated at Wolfson Children’s Hospital and the pediatric programs at UF Health Jacksonville.  Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) fundraising program, provides game-loving locals a fun way to support children in Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia.

Participants sign up for the 24-hour gaming marathon and invite friends, family and fans to make a donation. The official Game Day is Nov. 5, but participants may complete their 24 hours of play whenever and however they like: all in one day, one hour a day for 24 days, etc. Players may also participate solo or on teams.

While this marathon can be accomplished from the comforts of the couch, the Jacksonville Guild is inviting participants to bring out their consoles or tabletop sets and join fellow game enthusiasts at any of the below locations. All those who would like to attend, must register HERE.

Jacksonville Gaming Locations:
UNF Student Ballroom – 12 Hour Marathon
    11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (Set-up begins at 10 a.m.

Microsoft Store - 2 to 5 p.m.
St Johns Town Center
    4791 River City Dr #113
    A full list of special gaming opportunities can be found on the CMN Jax website

Chicago Pizza After Party - Midnight
    The Jacksonville Landing
    2 Independent Dr.

“Extra Life introduced us to a new audience that continues to astound us with their passion for giving back,” said John Lauck, president and CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “As one of our fastest growing programs, Extra Life is making a big impact on children’s hospitals, and individual gamers are making countless miracles happen for local kids and families.”

Last year’s event raised $33,842 for the local hospitals and helped purchase life-saving medical equipment, child life materials and educational resources for nurses and doctors. Interested participants can register at Extra-Life.org, select Wolfson Children’s Hospital or UF Health Jacksonville as their preferred CMN Hospital, set a fundraising goal and collect donations throughout the year for kids in need. Learn more about the local CMN Hospital and how donations are saving kids’ lives at Children’s Miracle Network.