Play it forward

Video games are no longer just entertaining the kids. Today they are benefiting the kids of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

The popularity of video games has grown to a level that allows elite players to make a career out of playing them. These gamers are now using their fame on Internet-streamed broadcast channels like Twitch to support the children of St. Jude through St. Jude PLAY LIVE, a video game charity event that has raised more than $1.8 million since it was created two years ago.

“I believe that if we are fortunate enough to capture the attention of other people, we should use that time to make a positive impact on their lives as well as other people,” said Ben Moody, a Twitch broadcaster with the screen name DizzyDizaster. Twitch and video game retailer GameStop support St. Jude through St. Jude PLAY LIVE.

Broadcasters, like Moody, fundraise during dedicated charity streams during which they ask their viewers for donations to St. Jude.

“What better way to help people feel better than to use our awesome time together to benefit kids in need?” said Moody, who has raised more than $17,000 through St. Jude PLAY LIVE.

St. Jude PLAY LIVE isn’t just for the professionals, either. Anyone can play — either online or off — to raise funds, and earn prizes and student service hours.

Moody visited St. Jude before the 2015 St. Jude PLAY LIVE event and said the hospital “was the furthest thing from what I expected out of a hospital dealing with terminal illness, especially in children.”

He spent several hours on ensuing broadcasts relaying his hospital experience to his viewers who can communicate with him through a chat feature.

“I even had several chat members tell me stories about their own children who were positively impacted by St. Jude,” Moody said. “When I saw what a profound impact St. Jude was having, and how many incredible streamers were already on board, I knew this was the way for us to go.”

To learn more about or participate in St. Jude PLAY LIVE, visit playlive.stjude.org.