SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Will Ferrell is staking his claim on the gaming world, for a cause. After successfully proving his world dominance in activities ranging from drum battles to anchoring the news, he is now issuing a challenge to video gamers far and wide, to raise money for non-profit organizations Cancer for College and DonateGames on Indiegogo, the world’s largest crowdfunding platform. People can find out more information, read the official rules and fund the Indiegogo campaign at www.WillFerrellHatesCancer.org. The challenge will also feature a live streamed duel on Twitch, the world’s leading live online video platform and community for gamers.
“It’s no secret the best gamers in the world have wanted a piece of me for years,” said Ferrell, actor, comedian and gamer extraordinaire. “Guys like CaptainSparklez are gunning for me. I think he might be an actual wizard and he’s looking for blood. I told them I’d give them the honor of competing against me with one small condition: we raise a whole bunch of money for a great cause like helping kids with cancer.”
The video game challenge aims to raise more than $375,000 to benefit two charities dedicated to helping kids with cancer: DonateGames and Cancer for College. Cancer for College is an organization that provides scholarships to cancer survivors. DonateGames is a charitable organization that leverages video games, technology and innovation to help children and families suffering from cancer.
“We’re so excited to be part of this awesome campaign,” said Craig Pollard, founder of Cancer for College. “This campaign is a fun way for people in the gaming community to participate in our mission of providing hope by raising more funds to give cancer survivors scholarships.”
“The last thing families in hospital cancer wards should worry about is the financial cost of their child battling for their life,” said Jim Carol, Founder and CEO of DonateGames. “We are continually humbled by the goodness of the gaming community, and ecstatic about the opportunity to raise funds in support of pediatric cancer.”
Should the target amount of $375,000 be raised, Ferrell will appear in person and play with a lucky gamer at Twitch’s offices in San Francisco, and the event will be broadcast live on Twitch. Each person who funds the campaign with a minimum $10 contribution will receive at least one entry and could have the chance to battle Ferrell in-person; air transportation and hotel are included as part of the Grand Prize. (Of course, contributions are greatly appreciated but not necessary to enter the sweepstakes. See Rules.) There are a multitude of perks for funders such as “Will Ferrell's Super Mega UV Blast Max Gamer's Sunscreen,” the “Will Ferrell's Game Face” official event t-shirt, signed videogame memorabilia, and personalized thank you messages from Will.
“Gamers and charity go hand in hand. Over the past three years, the Twitch community has raised more than 10 million dollars for various charitable causes,” said John Howell, Director, Partnerships Development, Twitch. “Having Will Ferrell join us, Cancer for College and DonateGames in the fight against cancer takes philanthropy and gaming to a new level.”
About Cancer for College
Cancer for College was founded in 1993 by two-time cancer survivor and double-amputee Craig Pollard. Craig saw first-hand how cancer can not only devastate a family physically and emotionally, it can wipe them out financially as well. Since inception, the charity has worked to bridge the financial gap for these families who have been through so much. Cancer for College has granted nearly $2 million in scholarship to over 1,000 cancer survivors across the country. Please visit the website at: http://www.cancerforcollege.org.
About DonateGames
DonateGames is a charitable organization that leverages video games, technology and innovation to help children with cancer. Founded in 2007, DonateGames was started by entrepreneur Jim Carol after witnessing the impact video games had on his son Taylor while receiving treatment during a 5 year battle with leukemia at age 11. A trusted nonprofit in the video game industry, DonateGames is a new breed of charity that unites a philanthropic purpose with high growth, technology driven business models providing gamers with a vehicle to change the world for children with cancer. Learn more at donategames.org.
About Indiegogo
Indiegogo empowers people around the world to fund what matters to them. As the largest global crowdfunding platform, campaigns have launched from almost every country around the world with millions of dollars being distributed every week due to contributions made by the Indiegogo community. At its core, Indiegogo is the equal opportunity platform dedicated to democratizing the way people raise funds for any project – creative, entrepreneurial or cause-related. The company was launched in 2008 and is headquartered in San Francisco, with offices in Los Angeles and New York. For more information, visit www.indiegogo.com and follow us at www.twitter.com/indiegogo and www.facebook.com/indiegogo.
About Twitch
Twitch is the world's leading live video platform and community for gamers where more than 60 million gather every month to broadcast, watch and talk about video games. Twitch’s video platform is the backbone of both live and on-demand distribution for the entire video game ecosystem. This includes game developers, publishers, media outlets, events, user generated content, and the entire eSports scene. In February 2014, Wall Street Journal ranked Twitch as the 4th largest website in terms of peak internet traffic in the U.S., fortifying the brand as an entertainment industry leader and the epicenter of social video for gamers. For more information visit: www.twitch.tv.
