The U.S. computer and video game industry raised
almost USD 900,000 to benefit children's charities last week in San Francisco at the ESA
Foundation's annual Nite to Unite For Kids benefit dinner and public online auction. This
year's dinner, the seventh annual event, featured performances by comics Dana Carvey and
Robin Williams, and brought the total funds raised by the ESA Foundation for children's
charities over the years to more than USD 6 million.
Attendees of computer and video
game industry dinner bid on a variety of items ranging from autographed memorabilia, wine,
and trips across America. In addition, members of the public were able to bid on game
memorabilia through an online auction on eBay. This year, funds raised by the ESA Foundation
will benefit Web Wise Kids, National Students Against Violence Everywhere, and the
Association of Hole in the Wall Camps.
William Bing Gordon, executive vice president
and chief creative officer of Electronic Arts (EA), received the 2004 Champions Award at the
entertainment software industry event in recognition of his outstanding service and
contributions to the industry. As a founder of EA, the fourth largest capitalized software
company in the world, as the person who piloted EA's groundbreaking creative studios for
many years, and as the chief creative officer of the industry leader, Bing Gordon has well
earned the accolades of his peers.
The Co-Chairs for the Nite to Unite For Kids
Dinner were Larry Probst, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Electronic Arts, Geoff
Mulligan, Chief Operating Officer of Konami Digital Entertainment America, and Paul Eibeler,
President of Take-Two Interactive Software.
Following is brief background on the
dinner beneficiaries.
- Web Wise Kids (WWK) -- WWK uses a computer game to teach
children about Internet safety and luring. This will be the third year the ESA Foundation
has supported Web Wise Kids. For more information see http://www.webwisekids.org
.
- Association of Hole in the Wall Camps -- The world's largest family of camps for
children with serious illnesses, the Association has helped more than 80,000 children with
cancer, sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and other life-threatening conditions experience the
joys of being at camp. For more information, visit
http://www.holeinthewallcamps.org .
- The National Association of Students
Against Violence Everywhere, Inc. (SAVE) -- SAVE is a nonprofit organization striving to
decrease the potential for violence in our schools and communities by promoting meaningful
student involvement, education and service opportunities. To learn more, visit
.
