News
Get-Well Gamers Takes All 50 States
Huntington Beach, CA, December 18, in the year of our Lord 2009—The Get-Well Gamers Foundation (www.getwellgamers.org), a California-based public charity dedicated to bringing electronic entertainment to children in healthcare facilities, today announced that it has added its 100th member facility, a milestone which makes it the only national video game charity, with a network that spans all 50 states of the United States, including the District of Columbia.
"Congratulations to Ryan and the Foundation for such a fantastic milestone! His hard work and dedication are having so many positive effects on families around the country,” said Tommy Tallarico, video game composer & creator of Video Games Live. “What I love the most about the Get-Well Gamers Foundation is that it further proves the point that video games have become an important part of our culture and can help to change lives for the better."
“It is difficult for anyone to be hospitalized but especially so for children,” added Rita Goshert, MS, CCLS, Manager Child’s Life Department, Miller Children’s Hospital at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. “Play is the work of children. By donating a video game system to hospitalized children, you are helping to support their normal growth and development during a very traumatic time.“
Founded in 2001 by Ryan Sharpe, then still a teenager, the Get-Well Gamers Foundation collects and distributes new and used games and gaming equipment to children in healthcare facilities. It has grown slowly and progressively over the years, adding facilities one at the time and garnering the support of the gaming community and the industry at large.
“We could not have reached this amazing milestone without all those who have helped us throughout the years,” said Ryan Sharpe, President of the Get-Well Gamers Foundation. “The doctors, the child life staff, the parents, the games industry, but most importantly, regular, everyday gamers deserve our deepest thanks.”
The most recent example of gamer generosity occurred in November when the Camarilla, the official fan club of White Wolf Publishing, a division of CCP, donated $10,000 it raised for Get-Well Gamers during its annual fan festival.
Today the Get-Well Gamers Foundation serves thousands of children each year across its larger-than-ever national network. The Foundation accepts console games and equipment as well as hand-held systems and the games supported by these platforms. To make a tax-deductible donation or to view or recommend a treatment facility, visit www.getwellgamers.org.
About The Get-Well Gamers Foundation:
The Get-Well Gamers Foundation is a California-based 501(c)
(3)-certified public charity dedicated to bringing electronic
entertainment to children's hospitals for the benefit of
entertainment and pain management since 2001. Its network
includes over 100 hospitals and treatment facilities across
North America. For more information, please visit
www.getwellgamers.org.