I'm always astonished by how much the gaming community wants to give to those less fortunate, and this year has proven that once again, gamers care. The annual Child's Play Charity Dinner Auction held last Tuesday has blown the door wide open on the goal the organization had set for itself. Originally only hoping to raise $750K, this event took in over $200K bringing the year-to-date total to over $1 million. That's just insane. I applaud each and every person who gave in this particularly financially troubling year, and hope that this trend continues. The year isn't yet over, so if you haven't given your donation to the Human Fund, please consider helping out Child's Play.

You can read the full release below.

SEATTLE - Dec. 12, 2008 - The fifth annual Child's Play Charity dinner auction held on Tuesday night netted over $200,000 in contributions, as a sold-out crowd of over 400 video game industry leaders and community enthusiasts crowded into the Washington State Convention and Trade Center's sky bridge to bid on more than 100 lots of gaming memorabilia to support sick children in more than 60 hospitals around the world. Tuesday night's passion for charitable giving pushes the current running total for 2008 to $1.07 million, handily surpassing the stated goal of $750,000 for this year's drive.

Evening Highlights:

-- A one-of-a-kind bundle contributed by Valve Software, including a custom, signed Left 4 Dead computer case, a lifetime Steam key for all present and future Valve releases and tour of the studio sold for $4,250.

-- Jerry Holkins ended the live auction with an impromptu call for bids on him writing "a song about how awesome you are," closing at $4,300.

-- Harmonix presented Child's Play with a check for $30,000, representing the current proceeds from its Rock BandTM "PAX Pack" downloadable songs released on Sept. 2.

The PAX Pack downloadable songs will be available to benefit Child's Play and other additional donations to this year's charity drive will be accepted until December 31, 2008. Those interested in corporate sponsorships should contact klindsay@penny-arcade.com for further information.

Related Articles:

36 hours Multiplayer Marathon on JTV

Child's Play Rock Band Tournament Aftermath

Child's Play