English: The store front of ToonSeum (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
PITTSBURGH, PA — Back for its third and most ambitious installment, Chachi Plays for Kids is scheduled for February 8th and 9th, 2013. The money raised by this year’s 24-hour video-game marathon will be split between the ToonSeum and Art Expression Inc. Both organizations will use the funds to provide art programs for homeless or at-risk children across the city. Chachi Plays for Kids aims to raise at least $5,000 for these terrific local causes.
The event will be held at the Toonseum in downtown Pittsburgh, from 7:00 p.m. on Friday, February 8 to 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9. The gaming schedule will be announced soon on the event’s official website, www.chachiplays.com, and is anticipated to be filled with a variety of games again this year.
Chachi Plays for Kids began three years ago when Anthony “Chachi” Walker’s decided he wanted to do something to help improve the city he loves. “I just wanted to do something to give back to the community,” said Walker. “There are plenty of kids out there who don’t really get a childhood, either due to economic or societal situations they’re in. If I can give those kids an opportunity to be a kid, that’s what I’d like to do.”
During the inaugural event in February 2011, Mr. Walker raised more than $2,700 for the Mario Lemieux Foundation as part of the Make Room for Kids fundraiser and was acknowledged for his efforts by the Pittsburgh City Council. Last year, the event was moved to the ToonSeum, which proved to be an outstanding venue – both inviting and accommodating. Chachi Plays for Kids 2 was a resounding success, raising $3,800 for the ToonSeum and the Father Ryan Arts Center.
The idea for a video game marathon came from Child’s Play (www.childsplaycharity.org). Mr. Walker realized it was the perfect opportunity for him to combine his love for video games and support his community. “It’s a great feeling at the end of the day to know that I was able to help make some kid’s day a little better,” noted Walker.
Event sponsors include the Toonseum (www.toonseum.org) and Sorgatron Media (www.sorgatronmedia.com).
Please Note
Fundraiser to support art programs for homeless and at-risk youth offered by the ToonSeum (www.toonseum.org) and Art Expression Inc. (www.artexpressioninc.org)
What: Chachi Plays for Kids, a 24-hour video game marathon fundraiser.
When: 7:00 p.m. Friday, February 8, 2013 – 7:00 p.m. Saturday, February 9, 2013
Where: Toonseum, 945 Liberty Avenue # 1, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
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