Gaming for a cause: Esports facility hosts charity event to support local veterans

All Systems Go Esports Facility will host a charity event benefiting local veterans on Sunday, May 21 beginning at 1 p.m.

Frost Call, a nonprofit dedicated to assisting veterans in the Massachusetts area through gaming, is determined to raise funds for their ongoing initiatives through the Frost Call Versus event.

Wesley Sanders, president of Frost Call, says the event seeks to maintain the competitive spirit among gaming enthusiasts while providing a welcoming entry point for newcomers.

In collaboration with Assumption University's esports team, the charity event offers attendees the opportunity to test their skills against a skilled Rocket League player from the team, with enticing prizes on the line.

“They're going to come join us and have someone play Rocket League, and they're going to basically play goalie. If anyone who wants to try to compete against them [and] can sink one goal, then they will get a prize,” Sanders said. 

Participants will have the chance to win gift cards, tickets to local sporting events and join a raffle in hopes of winning an exclusive custom-made Nintendo Switch, crafted specifically for the release of the highly anticipated game, The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Using gaming as a catalyst, the organization fosters camaraderie, connectivity, and unique relationships among service members.

“One of the major things about that is really kind of tapping into the mental health challenges the suicide epidemic, other difficulties facing a lot of veterans, when they're trying to reintegrate after their military service… and do it in a friendly way that doesn't feel quite as intimidating as like, you know, mental health services, which are still really important and salient,” Sanders said. 

Devin LaPlume, All Systems Go CEO, is excited to host such a great outreach program.

“A big thank you to the Frost Call team and Assumption University esports for all their efforts in pulling this together. It’s been a great experience building relationships with Frost Call and Assumption Veterans Success Committee,” LaPlume said.

The event will feature free play opportunities aside from the competition, allowing attendees to enjoy gaming in a relaxed and engaging atmosphere.

“Everyone who supports us, who wants to support veterans – come out,” Sanders said.