Aggie gamers raise money for Cache Valley Community Health Clinic

LOGAN – Old Main has seen many types of events over the years, but last weekend’s event was something different. A classroom on the fourth floor played host to a 24-hour video game marathon that raised money for the Cache Valley Community Health Clinic. The clinic provides medical services to those in the valley without health insurance.

The event was put on by the USU E-Sports Club, a club dedicated to video games. According to club president Eric Garcia, when the club was formed two and a half years ago the members were looking for a way to give back through some type of service, but were having trouble deciding what to do.

“We were having trouble because we are like a bunch of nerds,” Garcia said. “We were like ‘What do we do? We play video games.’”

Garcia said they were inspired by an organization called Extra Life Gaming, a national program that organizes a worldwide 24-hour video game marathon each year to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. The E-Sports Club has now done a gaming marathon four-straight semesters. Until now, money raised went to the Extra Life Gaming organization. This semester they decided to use the same idea, but to raise money for a local cause instead.

Garcia said the first event had a goal to raise $150. The goal was set at $200 for the next two. Last weekend’s event raised the mark to $250. Garcia said the club had raised $252 with two hours still remaining in the marathon.

Garcia played video games for the majority of the marathon, but took a little break.

“I took a one hour nap,” he said. “And I went home to shower.”

Garcia said between 60 and 80 participants showed up. Einstein Bagels and Shaffer House Bakery each sponsored the event and provided food. Red Bull contributed energy drinks.

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