Last week we announced reaching (and exceeding) our $2,000,000 goal- an incredible milestone for the gaming community at large. This week we counted, double and triple checked and couldn't believe our eyes.

Are you sitting down?

Our current fundraising total for 2011 is $2,960,000, making this our BEST YEAR EVER! We are absolutely blown away by your generosity- this year has obliterated last year's fundraising total of $2.3 million. In 2003, generous donors sent Seattle Children's hospital hundreds of games and toys. Who would have thought seven years later we would be sending $2.96 million (and counting) in donations to 80 hospitals worldwide? But don’t thank us. Thank you, the community- those sending donations through Amazon and Paypal, run fundraisers and spread the word. You make such an incredible impact in the lives of kids and their families. For instance, Dave Berry, a contributor and dad, got in touch with us this week to share his story:

'Since the inception of Child’s Play, I’ve donated every year—long before I became a father. I’ve been an avid gamer all my life, and have given my daughter the “gamer” bug. When she was diagnosed with cancer at the beginning of 2011, just after my last donation to Child’s Play, it became apparent that I would soon see the charity from the other side. Our year-long struggle with her treatments and frequent hospital stays have been enriched by the time we’re able to spend with her playing games in the hospital just as we would at home (only with better games and a larger selection). Our local children’s hospital has quite obviously benefited significantly from these donations, and this year I donated more than any year previous. Having seen the “other side” of the effect of the donations, I can think of no better gift to children who need every last bit of enjoyment in otherwise miserable situations.'

$2.96 million dollars towards helping dads like Dave bring a smile to the face of their child. Towards helping a brother or sister reconnect with their hospitalized sibling. Towards making a true difference in the life of a sick kid.