A Job Well Done

This past weekend was one of the most fun and rewarding I've ever had. As most of you know, I organized a team to raise funds for Children's Hospital LA, with a goal of $1,000, and intending to raise the money by pledging to play video games for 24 hours.


Initially, I didn't think I could raise the support. I quietly signed up by myself, came up with an idea of how to contact friends and family, and set up a modest goal of $300.


I had been skeptical about getting support because, well, as a longtime fan of video games, I've heard a lot of disparaging remarks about people who love to play them. And yet, with over 90% of children playing video games regularly, the game industry grossing more than Hollywood, and gaming saturating our culture (and emptying wallets), the only reaction I ever got was excitement.


Then, something interesting happened; people began sponsoring generously. On top of that, I found a crew of people as crazy as me to play alongside me. Soon, my solo effort turned into the Just Us League of Awesome, $300 became a $1,000 goal, and as the days went by, more and more support surfaced.


And finally, last Friday morning, mere hours before the 24-hour gaming marathon began, we finally hit the $1,000 mark. By 7pm that day, we had passed $1,200. We have rested at just above $1,400.


I can't describe how good it feels to be inspired by God and by others to make a difference. Special thanks goes to Rosby for sharing Extra Life's event info with me and getting me started on this amazing path!


My fellow Just Us members showed up Friday and did everything and more. I was floored by Nick Welch's enthusiasm (including trying to book Dodger Stadium for our event...we'll play Modern Warfare on the Jumbotron someday, buddy!). I loved the fact that Dave Harwood had about as many game systems as I do, and provided so many games and laughter during the night. From Ryan Welch showing up first and setting up to Jake Owens providing laughs and energy to Omar showing up "for a few hours" and ending up staying virtually the whole time, to Corey Morales singing, dancing, and reading in a British accent, to Brandon Porter tackling so many challenges to Kevin Yen and Steven Lopez and Jake arriving Saturday afternoon for a much-needed boost, to Nick Blackford holding the whole event together when I passed out in the early morning...I've rarely had a more fun 24 hours.


All told, I had an absolute blast. I cannot wait to do this again next year, and I would encourage everyone to ask themselves what they have that can be used to benefit others. For me, it's video games; for others, it's running marathons or washing cars or mission work or any number of passions and means.


Great job, Just Us League...see you next year!