TheSpeedGamers of Dallas-Fort Worth ended their weeklong Pokemon marathon by raising$58,993 on behalf of ACT Today!(Autism Care and Treatment Today!),a national non-profit organization whose mission is to provide access to care and treatment for children with autism.TheSpeedGamers'Pokemon Marathon ran from June 15-June 22,2012 for 168 hours and was watched by thousands of avid gamers and autism supporters online at thespeedgamers.com.
"It was truly exciting to watch them play Pokemon and raise so much money for children with autism who desperately need care and treatment,"says ACT Today!'s Executive Director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson."This is the fourth year TheSpeedGamers have hosted a marathon fundraiser for our non-profit.We are truly,truly amazed by their gaming skills and their compassion for ACT Today!'s cause."
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention(CDC),1 in every 88 children in America has an autism spectrum disorder(ASD),making ASD more prevalent than juvenile diabetes,pediatric cancers and childhood AIDS combined.Proceeds from TheSpeedGamers'Pokemon Marathon will help ACT Today!provide resources and access to therapy,medical care,social skills programs,special needs camp,entrance in special needs schools,assistance dogs,and basic safety equipment to children with autism whose families cannot afford these necessary tools their children need to reach their highest potential.
"Our team of gamers love being able to play games and raise awareness and funds for charitable organizations,"says TheSpeedGamers'founder Britt LaRiviere."TheSpeedGamers really appreciated ACT Today!'s supportive comments on our website as we played throughout the week.It was cool!The support fueled our engines and made us even more determined to reach our monetary goal."
In December 2008,TheSpeedGamers raised$5,923 for ACT Today!in 72 hours.They broke the 2008 record the following year,with over$50,730 raised in 168 hours.And,in June 2011 they surpassed the previous year again by raising over$57,400 in 189 hours.
TheSpeedGamers set out to raise$50,000 during the June 15-22 marathon.They surpassed the goal on June 21st.
About ACT Today!:
ACT Today!(Autism Care and Treatment Today!)is a 501(c)(3)non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness and providing treatment services and support to families of children with autism who cannot afford or access the necessary tools their children need to reach their full potential.For more information about ACT Today!,visit:act-today(dot)org.
About The SpeedGamers:
The SpeedGamers are based in the Dallas-Fort Worth area of Texas,but have members from around the world.The group was founded by Britt LaRiviere in March 2008,and has since raised over$300,000 for non-profit organizations across the country.For more information about TheSpeedGamers,visit thespeedgamers(dot)com.
