ESA’s Foundation Efforts
Wednesday, October 15th, 2008 by Patrick Ross
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Today’s guest blog is written by Michael Gallagher, President and CEO of the Entertainment Software Association (ESA).
In little more than a generation, video games have evolved from a niche market into a mass medium, helping millions of Americans live, work, and, of course, play. As a result, the entertainment software industry has become an economic powerhouse.
At the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), we believe that, with this unprecedented growth, comes increased social responsibility. As a result, we are working to use our unique opportunities and resources to improve the lives of all Americans, especially our children.
We have formalized our efforts through the ESA Foundation. Now in its eighth year, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting positive programs that will make a difference in the health, welfare, and quality of life of America’s youth.
The ESA Foundation is fully supported by proceeds from two sources.
The first source is sales of a limited-edition charity game pack. In 2007, retailers sold more than 90,000 copies of this game pack, generating over $2.6 million for the ESA Foundation. The Foundation’s second source of income is its annual fundraising gala entitled, “A Nite to Unite - for Kids,” which has generated over $11 million since 1999.
This year’s event will take place on October 22 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco and will honor Shigeru Miyamoto, senior managing director of Nintendo and the widely acknowledged “father of modern video gaming.”
The Foundation donates the funds it raises directly to organizations and individuals that are working to improve the lives of children all across the country. This year, the Foundation distributed $1 million in grants to nine worthy causes, including:
* Animation Project, Inc., which will use technology-based art therapy and 3D computer animation to promote mental health among at-risk adolescents.
* Federation of American Scientists, which will develop a video game for high school biology classes, particularly in underserved areas, that teaches basic immunology concepts.
* National Institute on Media and the Family, which will develop an online e-learning zone to help kids and adults understand issues and potential areas of concern related to the Internet.
* ThanksUSA will distribute an online classroom game that celebrates and teaches America’s history and values and receive scholarships.
The ESA Foundation also supports an annual scholarship program, which assists women and minority students who plan to continue their education in graphic design, computer science, and software engineering. Just last week, we had the pleasure of announcing this year’s recipients,15 promising video game developers who will receive $45,000 in scholarships to continue their education.
The ESA and the ESA Foundation are working to provide the entertainment software industry with opportunities to make a difference. I am both honored to represent this important industry and humbled to play a role in supporting these worthy causes. I look forward to providing additional support as our industry continues to grow and develop.
