Hundreds expected to play in annual 'Extra Life' fundraiser for Vermont Children's Hospital

Vermont and New York Teams Playing in Global Video Game Marathon

Vermont Business Magazine This Saturday November 3, more than 200 people throughout Vermont and Northern New York will try to top each other, and competitors around the world, playing Dungeons & Dragons, Mario Brothers and many other video games for 24 hours straight. Players have been hard at work raising money from friends, relatives and community members to sponsor their efforts in the annual “Extra Life” event, with the proceeds supporting programs and services at the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital.

Extra Life unites thousands of people around the world to benefit local Children's Miracle Network (CMN) hospitals, with contributions totaling more than $40 million since the program started 10 years ago. The UVM Children’s Hospital, the only CMN member in the state, has received $341,500 since it began participating in Extra Life in 2011.

Noah Cohen of St George leads “Team Mastermind” in the Extra Life video game fundraiser. UVMMC photo.

All of the money raised locally goes to the UVM Children’s Hospital to help cover the costs of a variety of programs in clinical care, research and education. Proceeds have paid for Neonatal Intensive Care Unit studies, chairs in the Infusion Bay for children who need IV therapies, updates to a teen room, and portable cribs provided to families that qualify as part of the Safe Sleep project.

“The funds we raise are incredibly important to our patient care,” said Jacqueline Woodwell, event supervisor for the UVM Medical Center Foundation. “We’re so grateful to the local businesses and community members who devote so much time to make this event a success.”

Mike Driscoll, of Williston, Vt., participates in the marathon as a way to show his appreciation for the care his son received when he needed a series of surgeries as an infant.

“I knew I wanted to give back to the Children’s Hospital in some way, and this was a way to do it,” said Driscoll. “I can play video games for a day straight and make money and do good with it.”

To learn more about Extra Life, or to register to play on Saturday November 3 in support of the UVM Children’s Hospital, visit Extra-Life.org.

About The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital
From the maternity unit to the emergency department and from our Children’s Specialty Center to our pediatric primary care clinics, The University of Vermont Children’s Hospital offers a welcoming child and family-friendly atmosphere with high-quality pediatric care. In partnership with The University of Vermont Medical Center, The Robert Larner, M.D. College of Medicine and the College of Nursing and Health Sciences, the University of Vermont Children’s Hospital delivers expert care grounded in the latest research to residents throughout Vermont and northern New York. It is fully accredited by the Children’s Hospital Association. For more information go to www.uvmhealth.org/childrens or contact 802-847-0000.

Source: UVMMC (Burlington, VT) 10.30.2018