I can’t believe we’re only three weeks away from the big 24-hour marathon. I have to admit, I’m really nervous about it. I’m more nervous about this year’s event than last year. Last year was the first year, so I had nothing to compare it to. Admittedly, I set my expectations low because I didn’t want to disappoint myself. Fortunately, it went well – really well last year. It went so well, that I’m afraid I didn’t do enough this year.

Every time I walk into the store, though, the folks behind the counter keep telling me that they think it’s going to be big. I guess people have been asking when the event is. Maybe it’s a sign that people are excited, or it could be that I haven’t done enough advertising for it. So, in case you didn’t know, the big event is going to be on November 7 from 10 AM to November 8 at 10 AM. That’s 24 hours of gaming! Word on the street is that a Rock Band set up might make an appearance.

Something new this year is that we’re aiming to live stream the event on Twitch. I’m still working out the details as to what channel it will be on, but as soon as I figure that out, we’ll make an announcement. So make sure that you’re following the store or myself on the social medias. By live streaming the event, I’m hoping that we’ll reach a wider audience such as those who couldn’t make it to the event all together or those who couldn’t be at the event all 24 hours. I know the stream will be at the Abington store, but I’m not sure about the Plainville store. I would love to make it out to the Plainville location this year if it all possible. I’m hoping they get just as good as a turn out this year.

Donations have been a little slower this year compared to last year. A big shout out goes to Serena who’s been the only donor thus far. I understand that a lot of you have a tight budget and I completely understand. I’ve always said that if you can’t donate any money to at least share what’s going on with your family and friends. Other than that, it’s not like you have to donate a lot of money. Every dollar counts. So small donations of $5 are just as important as the donation of $100.

Last year, we smashed our goal of $1000. When I set that goal, I thought I was crazy. I should have known that the gaming community would not let me down though. Not only did we break $1000 easily, but we made it all the way to $2500. If I hadn’t been so sleep deprived, I probably would have cried. I was extremely proud of everyone. First of all, who would have believed that Derek made it all 24 hours. I have all of you to thank for that. A big reason he was able to make it was because he was motivated by everyone else who was pulling all-nighters.

A really special moment happened in the very early hours of the morning. I can’t recall what time it was. I just know that I was leaning how to play L5R. Kudos to Steve Riley and company for having so much energy at that time. In fact, we all took a photo of the “morning crew.” It’s probably one of the best looking selfies because of the meaning behind it. Now that I think of it, we should get it framed and put it up in the store. Maybe we should even start an Extra Life section with photos and other info. Hmm…

As far as this year’s event goes, some people have been asking for an event schedule. We’re still finalizing it, but I know that Werewolf will definitely be making a return. During the afternoon, the store will be hosting a previously scheduled Weiss Schwartz WGP event. If you’ve ever been curious about the game, this is an excellent chance to see how it works. I’m even going to be playing in it. At least, that’s still the plan. I’ve got to finish learning some Japanese by then. Someone get me Carl Godon!

I’m also working on acquiring items that we can giveaway throughout the event to help raise money. Wyrmwood has said that would like to work with us again. My hope is that we’ll be able to work something out in time. I’ve been slacking a bit, but I’m hoping to be able to get some local Magic: The Gathering alterists to come to the store and offer some alterations for your Magic cards. If any of you would like to donate something to the cause then let me know. You can leave a message for me on the Battleground Facebook page. That’s one of the best ways to contact me. Or you can hit me up on the Twitterverse at my personal handle or the Battleground handle.

Remember, the big event is happening November 7th as soon as the store opens (at 10 AM) and we’ll be going all the way to 10 AM Sunday. If you’re brave enough, then I invite you to stay the whole time. If you don’t think you can stay awake the whole time, don’t worry, it’s not a contest to see who can stay awake the longest, but funny things do happen when you’re lacking sleep. Or you could do what Joe Palmer did and bring your sleeping bag. Just pick a spot in the store and take a quick nap. We promise not to disturb you.

Last year was a ton of fun, and on a closing note, I just want to share what was the highlight of the event for me. We had already gone bast the 12 hour mark. I was behind the counter handing out tickets when a man approached me and ask if I was the one in charge of the event. It turns out that he had heard that we were holding the event and came down just to make a donation in person. He had a personal connection to what we were doing. So, for someone to let me know that what we were doing was connecting with people…it really makes you feel something beyond words.

If you’d like to donate to the Extra Life cause right now, then click on the banner below. Play Games. Heal Kids.