By Stephanie H., staff writer, Inside AX – Anime Expo

Indianapolis’ annual gaming convention Gen Con is not only about having fun, but also about being charitable too. During all four days, the convention held various events to raise money for this year’s charity, School on Wheels, or to help families in need. Check out the brief list below to see what events were going on!

Game Drive – Gamers for Humanity – Gamers for Humanity had a nifty booth in the Exhibit Hall/Merchandise Hall. Gamers could donate used and new games to be given to families.  A small library of games from this would be given to families who receive a house through Habitat in the Indianapolis and Iowa City areas. The libraries will consist primarily of family games–games intended to help bring the family together in their new home.

Art Contest – Gamers for Humanity – At the Gamers for Humanity booth, they also held a small art contest. Attendees could draw a picture of their “hero.” The term “hero” is described loosely so many people drew video game or comic characters. Entering the contest is free and you could submit one entry per day. Each picture is assigned a number and visitors to the booth could “vote” for the pictures that liked best by donating silver coins or dollar bills. The winner, who is announced at the end of each day, gets to pick a prize from a table. Yours truly of course partook in the event…but of course I lost. Oh well.

Jail-n-Bail - A few dollars will send the warriors off to publicly arrest (or possibly humiliate) and lock up anyone you choose! You could have anyone you want arrested. “inmates” will then have to beg, steal or do crazy antics in order to make bail! The attraction operated all during Gen Con with all proceeds going towards this year’s show charity – School on Wheels.

Cardhalla 13 – Build. Donate. Destroy. Gamers have the chance to build their own card creation in this free 24 hour event, then they tore it all down on Day 3 of Gen Con. With what? With pocket change! They first auction off the right to toss the first coin, and then everyone else can throw coins. I saw some awesome buildings made out of Magic cards such as Big Ben and even a coliseum. Last year this event raised over $1,400 for charity! This event has been at Gen Con since 1999

Notes:

-attach a thumbnail image

-also, stop  “Staff Writer” >>; it should be “staff writer”

Tags: charity, gamers for humanity, Gen Con 2011