EMU Today

YPSILANTI — Eastern Michigan University alumnus Zach Wigal will host over 1,200 gamers at the "Gamers for Giving" marathon from April 5 to 7 in the George Gervin GameAbove Center, 799 N. Hewitt Rd. in Ypsilanti. The event is a charitable streaming marathon and video game fundraiser offering in-person and online participation options. The goal is to raise $500,000 to benefit hospitalized children nationwide.

"Gamers for Giving embodies the collective impact of gamers uniting to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and their families," said Zach Wigal, the founder of Gamers Outreach. "When we come together at the George Gervin GameAbove Center, we're not just playing video games – we're elevating health care for children in need, one game at a time."

Established by Wigal, the fundraiser has had a profound impact, with an estimated 5 million children benefiting from Gamers Outreach programs annually. The organization currently provides video game devices in over 400 hospitals, bringing joy and a bit of normalcy to hospitalized children. Donations from the event contribute to therapeutic equipment such as "GO Karts" (Gamers Outreach Karts)—portable video game kiosks that enable play experiences for recovering families.

Wigal's dedication to the cause has earned widespread recognition within the video game industry. He was named to the Forbes Under 30 list in 2017 and recognized as a Top 10 CNN Hero in 2019. Notably, Gamers Outreach partnered with Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson in 2020 to deliver new Xbox consoles to multiple hospitals. Recently, the organization collaborated with running back Christian McCaffrey's "Logan Project" to distribute video games to hospitals in NFL cities.

“The support and generosity of our participants, sponsors, and volunteers enable us to provide therapeutic equipment like the 'GO Karts' and 'Save Point' prizes to children undergoing treatment,” said Wigal. “As we continue to grow and expand our impact, we're not just changing lives; we're changing the game for pediatric healthcare worldwide." 

The event kicks off at 6 p.m. on Friday, April 5, for in-person attendees and continues until Sunday at 9 p.m. Limited tickets are available through the event website. Video game enthusiasts are encouraged to participate remotely by creating fundraising campaigns and launching online streams during the weekend.

Several prominent Twitch and YouTube creators will broadcast online to support the cause throughout the fundraiser. Gamers Outreach aims to raise a minimum of $500,000 to provide its GO Kart devices to hospitals in need.

For more information about the event and ways to support it, visit the webpage.

About Gamers Outreach
Founded near Ann Arbor, Michigan - Gamers Outreach is a 501c3 charity working to restore a sense of joy and normalcy in the lives of hospitalized families. Through initiatives like “Project GO Kart,” “Player 2,” and “Save Point,” the organization makes entertainment readily accessible within healthcare facilities. As of 2024, Gamers Outreach enables over 5 million video game experiences for patients each year, actively supporting more than 400 facilities worldwide. The organization is on a mission to ensure every hospital is equipped to provide kids with activities alongside care. For more information, visit the Gamers Outreach website.

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 13,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.