Why I Extra Life: Game Trade Gregg
Thank you to 9-year Extra Lifer “Game Trade” Gregg for sharing his passion for Extra Life with us!
Why I Extra Life
I grew up in a very small town in central Wisconsin. One thing you understand very quickly is that community is everything. When tragedy strikes everyone pitches in and together you take it head on. I was very lucky and was spared from any tragedy growing up. While we didn’t have much money I had an incredible family that loved and supported me. I also watched my mom and grandma being those supportive helpers in the community. They helped people feel better in times of need.
I often think about a story Fred Rogers (from Mister Rogers Neighborhood) would often tell about his mom when he would see scary things happening.
“My mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother’s words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world.”
I always look for the helpers. In my teens and into my twenties I always wanted to help and do more. I would be a supportive friend, offer a place to stay in need, or sometimes give some cash to someone needing gas money. I’ve always wanted to help and do more but sometimes you just don’t know how and you just do what you can. When I discovered Extra Life in 2015 I felt like everything clicked into place. My hobby, my career, my PASSION was able to be channeled into fundraising for arguably the best cause in the world, helping save kids’ lives. Not only that you get to help your local community! You choose what hospital you support.
I recently toured the Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee. Remember earlier about looking for the helpers? EVERYONE there was a helper. Every person we met and talked to was so dedicated to helping heal the kids. What we do is nothing compared to the incredible work the staff at Children’s do, but I have never been more proud of anything in my life as I am of the support we give to them.
That is why I Extra Life.
How I Extra Life
Now that we covered the “why” let’s talk about the how. We partnered with a local chocolate shop to sell candy bars. Every other month we have a Facebook charity live event where we host a claim sale with all proceeds going to the cause. (Most items we sell are donated from our generous customers) A few times a year we sell raffle tickets for certain high ticket items like Playstation 5 or Nintendo Switch systems. This all builds up to our 24 hour marathon stream on Game Day in November!
With that said I understand most of you don’t own a video game store or any business for that matter. That shouldn’t stop you from finding creative ways to increase your fundraising! Start or join a team, recruit your friends and family, and be a cheerleader for them as they begin their Extra Life journey!
Lastly, I think of Extra Life fundraising as a year long event. Throughout the year there are special highlighted events for sure but using only those to fundraise severely limits your ability to raise more. Start early in the year and give yourself plenty of time to crush that goal!
Please remember that EVERY DOLLAR helps. The best goal is one you think you can achieve. If you do everything in your power to raise as much as you can, that is all anyone can really ask for. This is not a competition between us. We are all on the same team fighting the same fight. Sure rankings are fun and some friendly competition along with the incentives help keep things fresh and exciting, but if anyone reading this needs help or wants to collaborate nothing would make me happier than teaming up for the cause.
Thank you for taking the time to read this and an extra special thank you to all of the Extra Lifers that have raised money and awareness for this amazing program.
Remember If we all do a little, it’s a lot.
