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Super Mario Marathon for Child’s Play Raises over $11,000
By Marc | June 30, 2008
This past weekend was one of the most awesome events in gaming and it caught most of us unaware until the last minute.
Three friends got together to play seven Super Mario games all the way through. You might think, “So what? That’s not such a big deal.” They also played them nonstop and in live streaming video on their site to raise money for Child’s Play, a charity that donates toys, games, crayons, books and about anything else kids would need to make their stay in a Children’s Hospital more tolerable.
Organizer Brian Brinegar borrowed the idea from Cameron Banga, who posted live the playing of four Zelda games in 48 hours, then it all took off from there.
The initial goal was $1500, but because of publicity from popular sites like Kotaku and Penny Arcade (where I got my heads-up, they met that in just the first few hours. So, by the end of it, the goal was eventually raised to $10,000. As of this writing, the total was $11,190.
I really wanted to watch the whole thing. I love playing video games, but I also really enjoy watching other people play. But, I had plans to work on building our patio over the weekend, so I only got to watch maybe an hour or two each day.
Child’s Play began as a response to a nasty article about how video games are training kids to kill. So, the charity was formed by Gabe and Tycho of Penny Arcade as a chance for gamers to show who they really are: regular people who happen to love to play games. In the first toy drive, they set up an Amazon wish list for the Seattle Children’s Hospital. The response was so great the charity has grown to give to dozens of hospitals all over the world, with more added all the time..
Aside from the Amazon lists and straight cash donations, they also organize auctions, dinners, and concerts for the charity.
One of the best parts of the whole thing is their operating costs. Aside from shipping, there are none. All of the people who are involved do so out of a volunteer spirit, and no overhead.
Another great thing about them is what they give to the kids. They’re giving them a chance to have a little bit of fun in one of the most depressing times of their lives.
On to a totally unrelated topic: Julie, happy dating anniversary. Eleven years ago, I said, “I kind of like you.” You replied with a similar response.
Topics: Awesome People, In the News |
June 30th, 2008 at 10:56 am
Happy 11 years, Marc!
Congratualations to Child’s Play!
June 30th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Happy Anniversary you two! 11 years and running is great!
I would love to get to sit and play Mario games for hours on end. Right now I get too much Mario Kart on the Wii because my son loves “playing” with me. He’s almost 3. He likes to hold the second wheel while I drive.
I don’t think I have ever actually finished any of the Mario games. And these guys finished 7 of them. That’s wild. Glad they could do it for a good cause.
June 30th, 2008 at 10:54 pm
You sound a lot like Marc. He LOVES his video games! But now when he plays them our 5 year old joins. Let’s just say there’s been some frustration from Marc, but total admiration from our son. I’m not much of a game player, I don’t think I’ve finsihed any, except a few rounds of Mario Party. I do love an occasional party.