By Matt Browning
Local Esports fundraising company, OZ Esports announced they would be hosting the first citywide Esports tournament to benefit the Greater YMCA on Saturday, October 17.
“Large fundraising events are not possible in this environment of COVID-19, so we have to get a little creative with how to raise funds,” said Hillary Alexander, Associate Vice President of Philanthropy for the Greater Wichita YMCA. “When we discovered the success OZ Esports had with other local not-for-profits, we realized this was the perfect option to engage our membership in a safe, fun and competitive activity.”
The YMCA hosts a variety of fundraising activities across the city including multiple dinners with silent auctions.
“Our fundraising needs have continued,” said Shane Loy, Regional VP for the YMCA. “But we simply are unable to bring our members together like in years past due to COVID-19.”
In 2019 the Greater Wichita YMCA served 300,000+ community members through free and low-cost advocacy programs including before- and after-school activities, job prep, and Late Night. Money raised annually through our Strong Community campaign allows the YMCA to continue to serve all regardless of ability to pay.
“Online gaming is very popular, and something done by a majority of people across a wide age range,” OZ Esports, Co-Founder Joey Nowlin.
According to statistics, nearly 70% of US households have a gamer.
“We saw an opportunity to help a not-for-profit fundraiser by leveraging this activity,” said Nowlin. “It’s an activity that can be done from home, it’s very competitive and an activity that allows the YMCA to engage all of its members. We don’t charge anything to set up a tournament and provide a complete, turnkey solution allowing any organization to quickly and easily raise money.”
There will be three games offered—Fortnite, Smash Brothers and NBA 2K21. The donation or entry fee is $10. Estimated prize pool will be $200 for each tournament, paid in cash and prizes. The tournament sponsor is Sunflower Bank. Registration will be open beginning October 10. All tournament proceeds will go to the Wichita Greater YMCA.
