Gamers Outreach Foundation (stylized as Gamers Outreach) is an American 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides video game equipment and programs for use in hospitals. Based in Saline, Michigan, the foundation works with healthcare facilities to provide video game equipment and related programs in medical settings.
The organization was founded in 2007 by Zach Wigal, a high school student from Saline, following the cancellation of a Halo 2 tournament he had organized, which he later described as motivating him to establish a group focused on gaming-related charitable activities. Gamers Outreach manages initiatives including the GO Kart, a portable gaming station used in hospital rooms, and Player 2, a volunteer program through which participants assist patients with gameplay.[1]
According to CNN Heroes, Gamers Outreach “brings video games to children in hospitals who might otherwise have no access”[2] and Forbes has profiled Wigal's work, describing his efforts as aimed at enhancing the hospital experience.[3] As of 2024, the foundation reports that its programs operate in more than 450 healthcare facilities in 13 countries.[4][5]
History
In March 2007, Saline High School student Zach Wigal organized a Halo 2 tournament that had more than 300 registered participants before it was cancelled two days prior to the event.[6]
Wigal and his friends then began organizing a new event connected to charitable gaming activities. In 2008, Wigal worked with local LAN party participants to launch Gamers For Giving (GFG),[7] a competitive gaming tournament and LAN event that also served as a fundraiser.
During the planning of the new tournament, Gamers Outreach Foundation was established.[8] Initially created to support GFG, the organization later developed additional programs related to video gaming in medical settings.
The GO Kart 3.0, the latest iteration of Gamers Outreach's gaming kiosks, designed for use at medical facilities.
Gamers Outreach operates several programs and initiatives, including the GO Kart program, Player 2, and Save Point.
GO Kart
Short for "Gamers Outreach Kart", the GO Kart program is a mobile kiosk equipped with a monitor, a video game console, and controllers. Each unit operates using a single power outlet.
The device's surfaces are designed to allow for easy disinfection, and it is equipped with swivel wheels for mobility within clinical environments. It also includes a lift mechanism for height adjustment.[10] The attached monitors can be positioned horizontally or vertically to accommodate different viewing angles.
In 2024, the foundation reported that it fulfilled 370 GO Kart units, with its efforts reaching 223 healthcare facilities to date.[11] The foundation maintains a "hospital wish list" to track requests for GO Kart units from medical organizations.
Player 2
Player 2 is a volunteer program through which individuals assist hospitals with gaming-related activities. According to the foundation, volunteers and participating hospitals register through the foundation's website.[12]
The program involves volunteers supporting hospital staff with gaming-related activities during designated hours. Volunteer activities may include assisting with the operation of gaming equipment and participating in gameplay activities with patients.
Save Point
Save Points are vending machines placed in health care facilities that distribute items such as toys, game codes, and other small rewards to children receiving care. According to the foundation, the machines are intended to provide patients with access to age-appropriate activities.[13]
Fundraising
Gamers Outreach organizes several fundraising activities and community events throughout the year.[14] The foundation partners with content creators who host charity livestreams on Twitch, with Gamers Outreach designated as the primary beneficiary.[15] Annual fundraising events highlighted in the organization's blog include Gamers for Giving, VTuber Summer Slam and the Spooktacular Streamathon.[16] Gamers Outreach also appears at gaming conventions such as PAX, EVO, TwitchCon, and Holiday Matsuri, where proceeds from community activities and booth events support the foundation’s programs.[17]
The Gamers For Giving 2024 LAN Party at the George Gervin Game Above Center in Eastern Michigan University.
Gamers For Giving
Gamers for Giving (GFG) consists of both an in-person production featuring a LAN Party and video game tournaments, and an online streaming marathon to raise funds for the foundation's programming initiatives.[18]
Over 1,200 people attended the 2024 GFG LAN Party, and the event raised over $1.25 million.[19]
Gamers For Giving 2025 took place on April 12–13 at Mojang Studios in Redmond US, alongside plenty of other smaller parties.[20] The event took place with members of the Hermitcraft Minecraft SMP (Survival Multiplayer) and its associates,[21] organized by YouTuber GoodTimesWithScar, he himself having a neuromuscular disease.[22] After the 2025 event, Scar was added to Gamer's Outreach's Board of Directors, following his enthusiasm for the charity's cause and large efforts to support the charity over the years of working with them.[23] This was their second year of supporting an in-person[24] Gamers Outreach event, which raised over $1.25 million in 2024.[25]
VTuber Summer Slam
The VTuber Summer Slam is a virtual fundraising marathon that takes place over the course of five days in June. While fundraising participants do not have to be VTubers, they do make up the vast majority of supporters for the event.
In addition to charity streaming, Gamers Outreach also holds an art contest and creates merchandise for both participants and supporters to wear as an alternative way to contribute to the fundraiser.
VTuber Summer Slam 2024 raised $740,843.[26] The amount was enough to fund 200 GO Karts for hospitals requesting them.
Spooktacular Streamathon
Spooktacular Streamathon is Gamers Outreach's Halloween-themed virtual fundraising marathon that takes place during October. Like VTuber Summer Slam, Spooktacular also features an art contest for participants as well as merchandise to purchase. It also features a costume contest that participants can enter using real in-person costumes or digital art they have created.
Spooktacular Streamathon 2024 raised $402,182, which helped fulfill 68 GO Karts and 4 Save Point Machines.[27]
Jolly Jamboree
Jolly Jamboree is Gamers Outreach's winter-themed virtual fundraising event that takes place over four days in December.
2024's Jolly Jamboree marked the first time Gamers Outreach hosted an end-of-year fundraising event. The event raised $139,000, according to their X profile.[28]
The GRID
The GRID is Gamers Outreach's monthly donor program. Supporters receive perks such as early access to Gamers For Giving tickets, a monthly newsletter and gift, and the ability to attend a quarterly call with Gamers Outreach staff to stay updated on all happenings within the foundation.[29]
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