A partnership between Bartari and the Lackawanna College Esports program will once again benefit patients at Geisinger’s Janet Weis Children’s Hospital.
On Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., the university’s Esports team will livestream matches at Bartari, 101 Adams Ave., Scranton, and all donations received will support the hospital’s efforts.
Additionally, all proceeds from the pinball machines will go to Geisinger through Bartari’s “Quarters for Kids” initiative. There will also be a raffle on the day of the event.
Bartari began working with Lackawanna Esports in 2021 and to date, fundraising efforts have raised nearly $22,000 – including more than $12,000 last year.
“Within Geisinger Pediatrics, we fund items and services that the hospital may not have the money to pay for, such as equipment and pediatric specialties, including child life specialists who work in our hospital,” said Sam Hinkle, development specialist for Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.
Hinkle emphasized that the continued support of the gaming community is critical to the hospital’s mission.
“The amazing thing about this event is that it grows every year,” she said. “It helps us provide the best care to children across Pennsylvania. We take this money and do everything we can to make the children feel as comfortable and happy as possible when they are with us.”
In addition to monetary donations, Bartari accepts a variety of Geisinger “wish list items” – from books to art supplies and toys.
“Stuffed animals are the hottest item in pediatrics right now,” Hinkle says. “But they have to be brand new with the tag on.”
She added that anything kids can use from their beds, such as crayons, Play-Doe and crafts, is also popular.
“Small items make a really big difference,” Hinkle said.
John “JP” Heim III, co-owner of Bartari, quickly got involved when Geisinger was asked if he wanted to participate in the Extra Life program.
“It tied in with what we’re doing here with the video games and it’s a cause I was really interested in,” he said. “We took their little idea to help and turned it into our own separate charity event. Every year we’ve grown, which has been great. People donate tons of stuff to our raffle and give generous monetary donations. Everyone is interested in coming out and supporting the cause.”
A visit to Geisinger Janet Weis’ Montour County facility several years ago has stuck with Heim and makes the annual fundraiser even more rewarding.
“After the first year we did the fundraiser, me and some people from Lackawanna Esports toured the children’s hospital and told us all about the stories of people who were able to get care and then live fruitful lives,” he said.
