Extra Life gamers raise more than $21K

Gamers from all over Pennsylvania signed up to play games for 24 hours on Nov. 2 and asked their friends and family to sponsor their efforts during Extra Life Game Day 2019. Thanks to their dedication and hard work $21,085 was raised for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.

The Gearbox Union, a group of gamers based in Blair and Cambria counties, held a 24-hour Extra Life Game Day on Nov. 2 and raised $20,120 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Gearbox members held a special game day event behind Fiore Furniture in Altoona and held public tournaments and games with prizes. Of the team total, Gearbox Union members raised $14,195 for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital. The top five gamers for Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital were Gearbox Union members: Joe Krug, who raised $4,559.71; Blair London, who scored $3,155; Josh Turiano, who netted 1,353; Daniel Morgan, who garnered $1,120; and Aftyne Green who raised $910.

Many local sponsors contributed to the team’s success, including Sheetz, S&T Bank Altoona, Fiore Furniture and Atlantic Broadband. Red Bull provided energy drinks for the team and Panda Express Altoona provided dinner. St. Francis University’s Esports team also participated in the event.

Even though the national Extra Life Game Day has passed, gamers can still join in the fun. Extra Life is a year-round program that allows gamers to sign up to play games any time through the year to support Geisinger Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.

Getting started is easy. Visit the Extra Life website  and sign up by pledging to play games from home or online on any day. Gamers can recruit family and friends to donate to their fundraising efforts. Then, play games and heal kids.