Extra Life: A Benefit for Cancer Research

Growing up, your parents likely told you that no good could come from you playing videogames. They probably said it was a waste of time, and that you'd be better served participating in a number of other activities. We GeekDads know better; we know that gamers, though still often marginalized and derided, can be a force for good. Thankfully, we're not the only ones.

At this year's Penny Arcade Expo, the Sarcastic Gamer community unveiled a project called Extra Life, an event that seeks to turn 24 hours of non-stop gaming into a veritable engine of charity and change. This October, scores of gamers will play to win, and, along the way, raise money for a worthy cause:

Dear fellow gamers,

On Saturday October 18th, 2008 gamers from around the world will come together for 24 hours to raise money and awareness for the cause of pediatric cancer. Cancer is the number one cause of non-accidental death in children. Together, we’re going to stand with the families from around the world who come to Texas Children’s Cancer Center in Houston, Texas for lifesaving treatment. Texas Children’s Cancer Center serves kids worldwide regardless of their family’s ability to pay. This generous philosophy means that your support is crucial to ensuring not only the development of new cutting edge cures, but also to provide care to kids from all corners of the globe.

Be a hero by simply doing something you love! Play games. Heal kids.

Joining Sarcastic Gamer will be a motley crew of do-gooders from across the geeky/gaming community – from the machinima masterminds at Rooster Teeth to the podcasters extraordinaire of Gamertag Radio to the real-life Bad Horse Chorus that is Epic Default – but the most important participant in Extra Life is you. Whether you sign up to donate your skills as an all-day gamer, sponsor a friend in his endeavor, or simply spread the word about this charity effort, you're using your passion for gaming to positively impact the lives of children who desperately need your support.

Now run and tell your mama 'bout that!