GAMERS UNITE FOR CHARITY

Extra Life video game event benefits children’s hospitals

Jay Haladyna of Leroy Township got into video games as a way to battle boredom while growing up in a rural community.

He recalls fighting the stereotypes that sometimes came with it when he was in school. But a lot has changed since then, said the 23-year-old president of Lakeland Community College’s Gamers Guild.

On Nov. 3, he and groups of other area gamers were using their passion for good. They took part in the Extra Life Game Day fundraiser at Andrews Osborne Academy.

The event, in its fifth year at the Willoughby-based school, unites thousands of gamers around the world to play in support of their local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

Since its inception in 2008, Extra Life has raised more than $40 million.

“I love to stomp out all those negative stigmas,” Haladyna said.

“Doing things like this is super special to me.”

About 40 AOA students in grades six through 12 took part in the fundraiser, benefiting UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital.

Participants raise money via pledges, and game gear is raffled off the day of.

“We raised over $3,000 last year and are planning to beat that record this year,” said organizer Joe Bordonaro, a teacher at the school and recipient of Rainbow care as a baby.

“Most of these kids are going to be playing video games anyway on the weekend,” he added. “This is for a purpose. They’re raising thousands of dollars for sick kids.”

Play stations were set up throughout the Lee Building, spread from the Student

Union to the Library. Familiar theme songs and sounds made for a lively atmosphere as participants played games ranging from retro Pac-Man to rare finds such as beatmania IIDX, a Japanese rhythm game.

The controller alone, which looks like a DJ’s turntable, is $300, said Haladyna.

Representatives from various gaming companies were present to support the event, including Sony PlayStation and Comic Heaven of Willoughby.

“What I think is most unique about Extra Life is they get to choose what hospital their money goes to,” said University Hospitals representative Samantha Davison, noting that it has to be part of the Children’s Miracle Network.

The movement was begun a decade ago in honor of a video game fan named Victoria Enmon of Texas who died because of complications from leukemia.

CARRIE GARLAND — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD An Andrews Osborne student uses a virtual reality game during Extra Life Game Day, which raises funds for children’s hospitals. The event was held Nov. 3 in Willoughby.

CARRIE GARLAND — FOR THE NEWS-HERALD Gamers played for a good cause Nov. 3 at Andrews Osborne Academy in Willoughby.