On Saturday, November 8, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) held its first Extra Life: Unlocked event. To raise money for children’s healthcare, the organization transformed its national offices in downtown Salt Lake City into a live, interactive celebration of gaming and community.
The unique event officially kicked off Extra Life Game Day (November 8–16) by combining a five-hour live stream with immersive, in-person activities. Play can improve children’s health, as demonstrated by the collaboration of gamers, creators, partners, hospital teams, and patient families to generate money and awareness for children’s hospitals across the United States and Canada.
Together, Extra Life: Unlocked and Game Day raised over $2.8 million, adding to the program’s remarkable year-to-date total of $10.5 million—demonstrating the amazing potential of philanthropy, community, and gaming to improve children’s health.
“Extra Life: Unlocked is more than just a new event—it’s a powerful new way to connect gamers directly to the mission of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals,” stated Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. “By blending gaming, storytelling, and community, we’re showing how creativity and compassion can come together to make a tangible difference for kids.”
Throughout the day, attendees engaged in a variety of interactive activations, including
- Champion Quests hosted by CMN Hospitals National Champions
- Game Show Battle Rooms, where fundraising partners competed live on set
- Sharkey’s Cuts for Kids activation featuring gaming-inspired hair color and face paint
- Tattoo Station, where attendees celebrated their milestones with Extra Life tattoos
With some bills reflecting donations that helped generate over $12,000 for nearby children’s hospitals, Extra Lifers won a GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® title for the Longest Line of Toy Money. The final count came to 1,072 pieces, recognizing the 72 children who visit a member children’s hospital every minute. Hasbro provided all of the toy money shown as donations unlocked throughout the day, enabling the attempt, which was confirmed on-site by an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS® adjudicator.
Kendalyn, a patient at Intermountain Primary Children’s Hospital and a local 2025 Salt Lake City Champion, recounted her story with her service dog, Reggie, emphasizing the expressive therapies that enable her to flourish because of gifts given via CMN Hospitals.
Kendalyn was joined by a number of National Champions from across the United States, including Melody from Children’s Hospital Los Angeles, siblings Braylen and Rylee from Corewell Health Children’s, Landon from Rady Children’s Hospital, and the Enmon family, whose daughter from Orange, Texas, inspired the creation of Extra Life. Every family discussed how game therapy had a significant impact on their individual journeys.
Gaming influencers Jack Pattillo (Rooster Teeth/Achievement Hunter), Guude (Mindcrack), MeganPlays, and Seum made appearances at the event, taking part in challenges, interacting with fans, and promoting the cause. Additionally present and highlighted at the event were representatives from gaming partners such as Wizards of the Coast (Magic: the Gathering and D&D), ArenaNet (Guild Wars 2), and Hive (Minecraft).
“Extra Life: Unlocked was truly a celebration of everything that makes this community special: passion, creativity, and heart,” stated Jeff Montegut, Director of Extra Life at CMN Hospitals. “Gamers don’t just play for fun; we play for impact. Seeing players, partners, and patient families come together under one roof to change kids’ health was nothing short of inspiring.”
Guests of Extra Life were also provided with a preview of CMN Hospitals’ impending brand development, which will be made public in January 2026 and will further unite and amplify initiatives like Extra Life under a single objective: Unlocked.
Since its inception, Extra Life has raised more than $132 million for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals in the United States and Canada. These monies guarantee that children receive the finest treatment available, regardless of where they live or their family’s financial situation.
It’s still possible to have an impact even after Game Day is almost over. Through the end of the year, gamers, streamers, and fans can continue to participate in the movement and contribute to the local children’s hospital. Get your community together, start your fundraising, and continue gaming for good at extra-life.org.
Disclaimer:
The information contained in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a health advice. We would ask you to consult a qualified professional or medical expert to gain additional knowledge before you choose to consume any product or perform any exercise.
