Calling all Publishers, Streamers, and Developers – Let’s Game: The Jimmy Fund
Nothing compares to the sense of community you feel while being a part of the video game industry.
There are numerous development studios, publishers, streamers, moderators, you name it! Everywhere you look there is a new video game store on every corner, an upcoming convention, or even a new friend that “only plays video games a little,” until they feel comfortable enough with you to share how much they really play. There are also a wide range of incredible nonprofits in the industry that focus on the overlap of gaming and giving back to the world on both small and large scales.
As part of our small way of giving back, we created a blog series highlighting these nonprofit companies. We aim to illuminate how these organizations help gamers through mental health, streaming, hospital visits, and more! We interviewed representatives from these companies, gaining insight on who they are, what they do, their impact on the gaming industry, and how others can get involved. We hope you enjoy reading them and are inspired to go help your community, no matter how small the task.
This week, we continue our blog series with The Jimmy Fund, where we had the honor of interviewing Kathryn Wurster, Program Officer, Event Fundraising at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute & the Jimmy Fund. The Jimmy Fund is the philanthropy branch of Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, which consists of four teams: Event Fundraising, Running Programs, Jimmy Fund Walk, and Jimmy Fund Golf. Each team supports donors and event managers to fundraise for DFCI. Within the Event Fundraising group is the Let’s Game program, where “all funds raised by streamers go toward cancer research and patient care to further Dana-Farber’s mission of transforming cancer treatment across the globe.” Kathryn walked us through the details of the Jimmy Fund, Let’s Game program, streaming opportunities for charity, and some events you can attend to get involved. Let’s get into it!
What is the Jimmy Fund
“The Jimmy Fund, established in Boston in 1948, is comprised of community-based fundraising events and other virtual and in-person programs that, solely and directly, benefit Dana-Farber Cancer Institute’s lifesaving mission to provide compassionate patient care and groundbreaking cancer research for children and adults.
In 1948, on a broadcast of Ralph Edwards’ national radio program “Truth or Consequences,” millions heard 12-year-old cancer patient Einar Gustafson—dubbed “Jimmy”—visit with the Boston Braves baseball team as they stood by his hospital bed. The show ended with a plea for listeners to send contributions to aid cancer research and help buy a TV so Jimmy could watch the Braves play ball. Not only did Jimmy get his television, but more than $200,000 was collected and the Jimmy Fund was born.”
Seventy two years after the Jimmy Fund was established, the Let’s Game program was created. Like Extra Life, the Jimmy Fund is a way for streamers and content creators to raise money while doing something they love. The Let’s Game Program specifically gives all proceeds to Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and the Jimmy Fund. “It is 4 years old and has raised over $400k since being established.”
Similar to Child’s Play, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute patients have gaming systems that they can use throughout their appointments or chemotherapy treatments. “In the Jimmy Fund Clinic, where children receive care, there are game systems with gamer keys that were generously donated by Jimmy Fund Let’s Game streamers. Further, streamers can decide to allocate their money raised to the ‘Jimmy Fund Activities Fund’ which is a fund specifically dedicated to supplying patients with tangible things to occupy their time during treatment, including board and video games.” Playing games during treatment can help a patient take their mind off what they are going through, if even for a few minutes.
How Gamers, Developers, and Publishers Can Help
When it comes to the gaming industry, we are all in this together. Building a community and safe space for all, no matter what. “When patients are going through treatment, many of them choose to play video games or watch their favorite streamers to pass the time and distract from the chemotherapy. Getting involved in JFLG not only aids in ensuring endless games and streams for the patients, but it also aids in raising the necessary funds for Dana-Farber doctors to research and better treatment methods. The funds raised through JFLG directly impact the prevention, detection, treatment, and cure of cancer around the world.”
The amazing work does not stop there. The Jimmy Fund often finds that their streamers are also supportive of each other. Quest 2 Defy Cancer is a month-long streaming incentive through Donor Drive. Last year, Jimmy Fund streamers raised $13k, with a goal of $15k this year. You can sign up using the link above and let’s make this goal happen together! “Streamers can earn different incentives throughout the month by reaching certain fundraising goals. [They] often have streamers participate in raids during Quest 2 Defy Cancer, and many of them attend the streams of fellow JFLG participants. All participants will receive a Quest Chest that has incentives to help them get started such as truth or dare cards. Quest streamers can earn incentives by reaching certain fundraising milestones throughout their journey to Defy Cancer. “
The Jimmy Fund has a streaming event coming up on July 16th, so join their Discord and stay tuned for details.
Streamers and gamers can get involved, but so can local Publishers like Page to Pixel Publishing “by spreading the word and encouraging streamers to join Quest 2 Defy Cancer in September. The main way to grow this program and others like it is for more people to know about it, so any marketing for JFLG is greatly appreciated. During September, local publishers can highlight streamers who are participating in Quest to gain their viewership and therefore raise more funds. Highlighting Dana-Farber’s mission as the backing of every stream for JFLG is imperative so people know the impact of their fundraising and/or donation.” Every little bit of attention to the subject helps get them that much closer to their goal.
Get Involved
Not a streamer? There are so many ways for people to get involved with the Jimmy Fund besides streaming. You can host your own event or golf tournament, or volunteer/participate in one of their already scheduled events. Some of the fun ones coming up this year are the Jimmy Fund ScooperBowl with all-you-can-eat ice cream, live entertainment, and games right in Boston City Hall Plaza from June 4-6, with Scoop at Night taking place on June 6th from 5-8pm. Join them for the Red Sox game at the Radio-Telethon in Fenway Park or tune into WEEI 93.7FM and New England Sports Network on August 13-14, with merch and live interviews. There is also the annual Jimmy Fund Walk on October 6th, where you can participate in a 5K, 10K, half, or full marathon, finishing in Boston. Last but certainly not least, they will also be attending some more conventions over the year. As always, they will be at PAX East 2025, and a Let’s Game streamer will be representing at Motor City Comic Con Michigan with D20 Tales on May 17th.
Do Your Part and Take Action
One important takeaway that the Jimmy Fund Let’s Game Program hopes people will consider when hearing about their organization, especially as it relates to the video game industry, is that “in the last 5 years, more than half of all FDA-approved cancer drugs were developed with significant contributions from Dana-Farber investigators. This fact is only possible due to the commitment and support from fundraisers like those who stream for JFLG. JFLG is an inclusive community for all types of streamers, and [they] would love to have you join [them] in the fight to transform cancer care globally. “
To learn more, please visit: https://danafarber.jimmyfund.org/site/SPageServer/?pagename=jimmyfund_letsgame_cancer.
Thank You
Special thank you to Kathryn for partnering with Page to Pixel Publishing on this interview to further spread awareness about this incredible mission. Have an idea for a company that could use a highlight? Reach out!
Page to Pixel Publishing 