While the Audi 2017 MLS Cup Playoffs rage on, some regional rivalries burn hotter than ever. But even so, some Cascadia supporters are still coming together this week on a passion project that transcends sports.
The Cascadia rivalry–among the Portland Timbers, Seattle Sounders FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC–is arguably the most intense in MLS.
But this Sat., Nov. 4, a group of fans will channel that intensity and passion into a charitable effort, a 24-hour game-a-thon to fundraise for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Together, supporters from the three cities have joined forces to create the “Cascadian Gamers,” who will compete in a fundraising marathon through Extra Life.
That effort unites gamers worldwide in a fundraising marathon, raising hundreds of thousands of dollars to support children’s hospitals. For the Cascadian Gamers, all money raised will go to children’s hospitals in Portland, Seattle, and Vancouver.
The fundraising began with just a few Sounders fans in 2015, but then morphed the following year into a three-way effort between three different groups of fans.
In fact, thanks to donations and raffles from players (such as the Timbers' Diego Valeri), clubs and individuals, the Cascadian Gamers say they were last years' largest non-corporate-sponsored fundraising group in North America. They expect this year’s event to far surpass the $37,000 raised last year.
The Cascadian gamers will play various titles for 24 hours straight from a location in Seattle, with other volunteers manning food, social media, and packing and shipping prizes for donors. Other gamers will also join in remotely from throughout Cascadia. To raise extra money, as well, Valeri will also be donating some personal and autographed items, including several of those famous Timbers post-goal log slices.
How can I help (and get the chance to win some once-in-a-lifetime MLS gear)?
Visit cascadiangamers.org and check out the items on Twitter: @CascadianGamers
What are some of the prizes up for grabs for donating?
- Team-signed log (donated by Diego Valeri)
- Rare Timbers Army scarves
- NWSL Thorns signed championship scarf
- MLS All-Star signed jersey
- Player-signed copy of EA SPORTS FIFA 18
Want to tune in to the game-a-thon?
Visit twitch.tv/CascadianGamers
