TheSpeedGamers have kicked off their “Final Fantasy” weeklong video game marathon to help increase autism awareness and funds to benefit ACT Today! (Autism Care and Treatment Today!). The “Final Fantasy” marathon is held from June 24th through July 1st and can be watched live at www.thespeedgamers.com.
The gamers have raised over $173,000 for ACT Today! over the past four years, and plan to dedicate this entire week to nonstop gaming with the goal of raising an additional $15,000 in support of the national non-profit. ACT Today!’s mission is to provide resources and support for children with autism whose families cannot afford or access the necessary tools their children need to reach their highest potential. This includes therapy, medical care, social skills programs, assistance dogs, assistive technology, basic safety equipment, tuition for special needs schools, and assistance to military families with children with autism.
"We really can't praise these young gamers enough," says ACT Today!'s executive director Nancy Alspaugh-Jackson. "This is the fifth marathon that TheSpeedGamers has hosted for our non-profit. We are truly grateful for such a dedicated and generous group of gamers who are joining us in the mission to help children with autism."
Jackson, who goes online to watch TheSpeedGamers in action and to give encouragement, urges others to join her. While watching TheSpeedGamers play through the Final Fantasy series, viewers can make donations which go directly to ACT Today!.
"When many people think of gamers, they tend to think of them as lazy or unproductive," says TheSpeedGamers' founder Britt LaRiviere. "However, this image is just an unfortunate stereotype. TheSpeedGamers are passionate about gaming and committed to helping non-profits like ACT Today! which provide direct help to those in need."
TheSpeedGamers will end their weeklong, 168 hour fundraising campaign for ACT Today! on Monday, July 1st at 6 pm CST. Donations will be accepted on behalf of ACT Today! at
www.thespeedgamers.com