FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                       

Salt Lake City – February 8, 2013 Though video games have been thrust into a negative light in recent media they are often overlooked as a means to help children in need. On Friday February 22nd, local charity Cheat Codes will host their first ever fundraiser benefiting Child's Play Charity. Volunteers will play a variety of video games for 24 hours straight. The event will be streamed live for any wishing to observe the action.

Local organizers, Cheat Codes for Charity and Out of Our System, a local podcast, will host the full day of gaming. Viewers can donate through a secure PayPal portal and will be entered into a raffle for prizes donated by the sponsors. 100% of the proceeds will go to the kids through Child’s Play. In addition to the generous contributions of sponsors, the marathon is being funded entirely by private individuals who are passionate about helping kids cope with trying circumstances in their lives.

Sean Brown, Salt Lake City, shared a testimonial with Child’s Play about his sister, who had been treated at Primary Children’s Hospital. “The Child’s Play fairy had visited and left an Xbox 360 Core System in her room… according to the doctors, it was the quickest recovery she had ever made out of the many hospital stays she had made up to then. So, I’m really thankful for Child’s Play. This charity really helped my baby sister when she was at her worst.”

“The patients and staff at Primary Children’s Medical Center are grateful to Child’s Play for the generous donation of games, iPads, toys, and arts and crafts,” commented Foundation Director Sharon Goodrich.  “These gifts serve as a reminder that sometimes the best medicine to help hospitalized children doesn’t come from a bottle.  Sometimes, it is a game or activity that helps children forget they are anxious, in pain, or lonely.  Child’s Play is good medicine!”

“We affirm the tremendous benefit games can have in the lives of children, especially those who are challenged with health problems,” said Ricky Simmons, organizer of Cheat Codes for Charity. “Games can teach problem solving, life skills, teamwork, and build confidence. We are excited to contribute to Child’s Play, who received over $5 million in donations last year in large part to similar gaming marathon events.”

Cheat Codes for Charity’s gaming marathon goes live Friday February 22nd at 6 pm MST (-7 GMT). The charity fundraiser concludes on Saturday February 23rd at 6 pm MST (-7 GMT).

About Childs Play Charity

In 2003, Child’s Play was set up and organized as a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in a network of over 70 hospitals worldwide. Over the years, the community has answered the call and come together to raise millions of dollars.

Website: http://www.childsplaycharity.org/about

About Cheat Codes for Charity

Cheat Codes for Charity was started to help raise donations for the Child’s Play charity. Cheat Codes for Charity believes that video games can positively impact the lives of children, so we organize gaming marathons and other events to help raise awareness.

Cheat Codes for Charity can be found at its website and various social media outlets to keep up to date on all the details on the marathon!

Website: http://cheatcodesforcharity.com

Twitch.tv: http://twitchtv.com/cheatcodesforcharity

Facebook: http://facebook.com/cheatcodesforcharity

Twitter: @CC4Cmarathon

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MEDIA CONTACT

Ricky Simmons, Organizer

801-987-0739 - ricky@cheatcodesforcharity.com