It’s Mental Health Awareness Month. In Salt Lake City this week, a group of adults is getting together for a video game marathon to benefit those served by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI).
Here’s how it works. The money is raised as people watch the 100 players online, pick game character’s names, challenge the players to a difficult game section and enter contests to win prizes.
According to the RPG (role-playing game) Limit Break organizer Brian Cook, the event has already raised $10,000 in the first 24 hours. And it all started as a group of friends wanting to not only have fun, but also give back.
“I think that a lot of people have a sort of negative view about video games—that it’s a very selfish type of activity. And we try to dispel that a little bit through these events,” Cook said.
Another way Cook said people can get involved in supporting those with mental health issues, is to be more accepting.
“Really just be more accepting of the people around,” Cook said. “And realize that you know, it’s ok to go get help. People have difficulties, but it’s ok to go get help with your difficulties.”
The event ends Saturday night.