25-hour #dominicstrong game night will raise funds for the Alberta Children’s Hospital

By Tim Kalinowski on October 31, 2017.

tkalinowski@medicinehatnews.com @MHNTimKal

#dominicstrong’s annual 25-hour game night charity fundraiser will take place at Beveridge Landmark Events on Saturday.

“Basically, it is any kind of games,” says Sean Rooney, who co-founded the event in memory of his infant son Dominic. Dominic died of leukemia in 2015.

“We are going to be playing mainly video and board games, but you can do whatever you want. Like, hypothetically, the way this charity is set up, you can play basketball for 25 hours. It’s a way to raise money for a local children’s hospital. And it targets a market of gamers who might not want to run in a 5K.”

Rooney says it is all about having fun while doing some good for sick kids throughout Alberta.

“Gamers are kind of perceived as sitting in mom’s basement, contributing nothing to society,” explains Rooney. “That’s the stereotype, but it is absolutely not true.

“Gamers are parents like us, and everybody plays some kind of games. So taking it to the next level and giving something back is what this event is all about. Every penny raised goes to the Alberta Children’s Hospital.”

Starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday morning, the public is invited to drop in all day until 11 p.m. that night, either to take part in some game activities of their own, or simply to donate to the cause. Those signing up for the full 25-hour experience are encouraged to contact Rooney and register through #dominicstrong public group on Facebook.

Rooney says the event isn’t just for the hardcore gamers, it is really for everybody.

“Even if you are not big into gaming (videogames), everybody likes playing a game,” says Rooney. “You can come down and play Monopoly, or play some poker; whatever you want. We actually have prizes too.

“It’s a minimum $5 per person suggested cover charge. And Skinny’s Smokehouse has donated 75 meals worth of food to us. The bar will be open. So even if you weren’t interested in the games at all, you can still come down to the Beveridge at 5 p.m. on Saturday, pay $10 for a meal, and you can just have that and leave, if that’s how you want to contribute.”

12
-11