Seattle Extra Life Game On

Gaming for Good

Author: Johanna Sánchez

For many, gaming is a passion, a hobby, and a way to connect. But what if every quest, every race, every boss battle could heal kids in real life?

That’s exactly what happens through Extra Life, a global movement where gamers, artists and creators unite to fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network hospitals like Seattle Children’s. Since 2010, players from Washington and beyond have raised more than $10 million for kids here at Children’s.

This October, it’s your turn to celebrate that impact and get in the game. Join us Saturday, October 18 for the 8th Annual Seattle Extra Life Game On event — a vibrant, family-friendly day celebrating the transformative power of play.

Gaming can be a way to slow down, spark creativity, and connect with others. But nothing compares to stepping out of those gentle virtual worlds and knowing that play can bring real comfort to kids who need it most.

That’s what makes Extra Life so inspiring: it takes the same comfort and joy found in games and channels it into something life-changing for families who need it most.

And just like any game, the joy multiplies when shared. Here are a few Seattle Children’s workforce members who have turned their love of gaming into something extraordinary...

🎮 Tim McLaurin II (TheDreadedChamp), CMDB Discovery Analyst, IT Asset Management
Years with Extra Life: 13

Tim started by hosting marathon nights with friends — “PCs, consoles, and cables everywhere.” After one all-nighter of supporting his squad with snacks and energy drinks, he was hooked. Now he says, “I enjoy being able to do something I love, gaming (duh), and knowing any money I raise will help kids at Children’s.”

🎮 Kevin Nelson (Heponwana), Program Manager, Research
Years with Extra Life: 14

Kevin's cause is deeply personal. His daughter, Alex, was born with critical heart defects and spent 16 days in Children’s CICU. Thanks to expert care (and charity care covering over a million dollars in bills), Kevin got precious time he “never would have had without the amazing skills of her cardiac team.” Now, every game day is dedicated to Alex’s memory and to families who shouldn’t have to fight illness and medical bills.

🎮 Hercules Gumabon (z3us_son253), Medical Assistant, North Clinic
Years with Extra Life: 3

A self-described proud nerd with Pokémon and Master Sword tattoos, Hercules has spent almost five years at Children’s. While working as a CNA, he bonded with kids over anime, Minecraft, and Mario Kart. Inspired by seeing the Extra Life booth at Emerald City Comic Con, he now runs his own campaign called “Extra Rice.” “I joined to help the kids I care for — while enjoying my own hobbies,” he says.

Come hear more inspiring stories, meet patient families and play some games. This family-friendly event is open to the entire community.

• What: 8th Annual Seattle Extra Life Game On — featuring video and tabletop gaming, cool swag, a Mario Kart World tournament, and more
• When: Saturday, October 18, 2025, noon to 4 p.m.
• Where: Sand Point Learning Center, 5801 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98105
• Can’t make it in person? Join the fun on Youtube and Facebook! We will be livestreaming.
• Registration: Free, but required (under 18 must have a guardian). Register here!

How Will You Play? Find Your Style

Extra Life is for every kind of gamer. Here are a few ways to level up your impact:

• 🎥 Live Streamers: Host a charity stream with donation challenges.
• 🎲 Tabletop & Board Gamers: Turn your campaign night into a fundraiser.
• 🕹️ eSports Teams: Compete in tournaments where entry fees become donations.
• 🎮 Casual Gamers: Dedicate a game night with friends or family to the cause.

Want backup on your quest? The Seattle Extra Life community is here to help — hop into the Discord and join this amazing community of players.

Final Boss: Childhood Illness

Every donation, every roll of the dice, every race around Rainbow Road helps kids fighting the toughest battles of their lives. Over $10 million has already been raised for Seattle Children’s — and with your help, we can reach even more families who need us.

So, whether you join us at the Game On event on October 18, start your own Extra Life campaign or make a small donation, you can change the game for our patients and families. So, grab your controller, your dice or your headset — and let’s game for all kid-kind.

Date: Saturday, Oct 18, 2025 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Location: Sand Point Way Learning Center
5801 Sand Point Way NE
Seattle, WA 98105
Audience: All Families
Instructions: Register here