We covered Mario Marathon 2008, the multi day internet event broadcast live online, last year as well. And they did a great job attracting an audience from around the world. Be sure to come and watch as a team of three plays through twenty five years of Super Mario Brothers video games. Those wishing to support the event are encouraged to donate directly to Child’s Play through the mariomarathon.com web site.
The initial event, held in 2008, lasted fifty seven hours, attracted over 100,000 viewers, and raised nearly $12,000 for Child’s Play. This year’s event is projected to last longer, with the length extended by each donation. “It’s a kind of endurance stunt to promote Child’s Play,” says Brian Brinegar, Event Coordinator, “a video game reality show.” Viewers of the event will have the opportunity to interact with the team and win various Mario themed prizes.
The Child’s Play Charity is a game industry charity dedicated to improving the lives of children with toys and games in a network of over sixty hospitals world wide. Since its inception in 2003, the charity has distributed over 3.5 million dollars worth of toys, games, books, and cash . “We rely heavily on community run initiatives such as Mario Marathon.” says Kristin Lindsay, with Child’s Play, “These fund raising events represent our greatest strength: the generosity and determinations of gamers.”
“We would not be able to offer the opportunity to play video games to so many patients without the generous donation of Child’s Play”, says Rena Brown, Toy Room co-chair with Indianapolis based Riley Hospital for Children, “Video games are a great activity because the children can “escape” to another world.”
Watch the event live on the web at beginning July 10th at 9:00 AM EDT. Donations for the event are being accepted through July 15th.