Post-Action Report: 24-Hour GameStart Marathon
The atmosphere in the GameStart venue was quiet, maybe even solemn. It was now 23-hours into the event and everyone was in a different stage of slap-happy-yet-hopeful. Various posters and decorations relevant to the video game culture hung on the walls – most notably a Minecraft Creeper, arranged by the use of paper plates in different shades of green. Toys of video game characters and other gaming paraphernalia were also strewn about, like mini spectators bearing witness to the self-imposed sleep deprivation that was beginning to take root. Each hour that went by seemed a little longer than the one before, but despite the growing mental fatigue, everyone remained focused.
The 11 of us – 9 runners and 2 event staff members – were just about to complete the 24-Hour GameStart Marathon. Each gamer had spent the prior three weeks gathering donations to fund the expansion of the GameStart curriculum to economically-challenged communities in Metro-Detroit. By working through the Detroit Children’s Center and EMU Bright Futures, GameStart instructors will be able to provide participation opportunities for these students through their Summer Camp activities. Each class involves a unique approach to education by using video games to illustrate science, technology, engineering, art, and math fundamentals. Through demonstrating game design principles, GameStart students learn more effectively by being able to apply the material in a familiar, fun, and low-risk environment.
The Aftermath
After a 16-hour nap and tallying the final results, the Brave Nine collectively netted $1,472 to benefit young Michigan creators, which includes both cash and online donations following event costs and service fees. More than 200 participation opportunities will be provided for eager students in Detroit and Ypsilanti school districts, with the anticipation of including more communities this fall. We would like to also thank the following companies and organizations for their support in helping make this event a success:
Promotional
Meal Sponsors
In-Kind Donors
Summary
It’s amazing what a group of like-minded individuals are capable of when working towards a common goal. Students representing Eastern Michigan University, Oakland University, and Schoolcraft College were all in attendance to play their part in this worthy cause. In gratitude for going above and beyond, we would like to recognize the following individuals:
- Leesha Boldt (Champions Medal and MVP Award winner)
Leesha became the top fundraiser at $835, earning the MVP Award. She also exceeded the $250 individual goal (threefold), which earned her the Champion’s Medal.
- Andrew Gabanyicz (Champions Medal winner)
Andrew beat the buzzer by raising $263 via his Twitch stream by the end of the event, thus earning the Champion’s Medal.
Honorable mentions (in order of funds raised):
- Gary Quillico
- Garry Mundy
- David Mayne
- James Mumaw
- Steven Mark
- Sean Kitz
- Conrad Silveri
- Kasy Peshek
- Avery Orr
Special thanks to Nathan Davidson and Aoun Hussein for giving their time and helping hands to run the event, as well as Rob Girkin for his video production assistance. Most of all, we want to thank everyone who donated for helping support the cause! None of this would have been possible without your interest and support. For more content and updates, be sure to subscribe to the our Newsletter below! Thanks for reading.
