Why I Play Games For The Kids
September 8, 2016
Topics: Donors
Earlier this year I had the distinct honor of going to Orlando, Fl., for the Extra Life United event during the Children’s Miracle Network Momentum Conference. Extra Life is an organization that raises money for their local children’s hospital through gaming.
I have struggled to put into words what an incredible experience this event was. I chose to participate in the tabletop track where I played board games with people around the country and Canada, all of whom shared the same enthusiasm to represent our hospitals in friendly competition.
However, it was the Children’s Miracle Network (CMN) Champions and their families who left the most lasting impression on me. Their stories of current struggles and success solidified why I use my love of board games to raise money for Riley Hospital for Children.
On the final night of the event, we were able to meet all the Champions and their families and play games with them. I remember my face hurting the next day from all the smiling and laughing. I loved encouraging parents to sit right next to their kids so I could teach them games that they can play together.
If you’d like to get involved, here are some upcoming opportunities to play games for the kids:
September 12th: National Video Game Day
September 16-18: Extra Life Tabletop Appreciation weekend
November 5: Extra Life 24-hour gaming marathon. Extra Life participants from around the country will be pulling their friends together and gaming for an entire day. Indianapolis area participants will gather at the eBash Video Gaming Center in Castleton.
I can't wait to go back and continue to play games for Riley!
Shonagh Henderson
Shonagh Henderson is an Indiana transplant from Wisconsin now residing with her grandmother in Fishers, Ind., with her grandmother. Her hobbies include traveling, board games, computer games, movies, TV, reading, and all things “geek” and “nerdy.” Shonagh works for Sedgwick Claims Management Services.
