A collaboration 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 college’s Esports team will livestream games 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 basket raffles on the day of the event.
Bartari began teaming up with Lackawanna Esports in 2021 and, to date, the fundraisers have generated nearly $22,000 – including more than $12,000 last year.
“Within Geisinger Pediatrics, we fund items and services the hospital may not have the money to pay for like equipment and pediatric specialties including child life specialists who work in our hospital,” said Sam Hinkle, a development specialist for Children’s Miracle Network at Geisinger.
Hinkle stressed the ongoing support from the gaming community is critical to the hospital’s mission.
“The amazing thing about this event is that it’s growing every year,” she said. “It helps us provide the best care to kids all throughout Pennsylvania. We take these funds and do whatever we can to make the kids feel as comfortable and happy as we can when they’re with us.”
In addition to monetary donations, Bartari is accepting a variety of “wish list” items provided by Geisinger – from books to art supplies and toys.
“Stuffed animals are the number-one item pediatrics needs right now,” Hinkle said. “But they must be brand new with the tag on.”
She added anything kids can use from their beds like crayons, Play-Doe and crafts are also popular.
“Small items make a really big difference,” Hinkle said.
John “J.P.” Heim III, co-owner of Bartari, was quick to get involved when Geisinger when asked if he would like to participate in its Extra Life program.
“It lined up with what we do here with the video games and it’s a cause I was really interested in,” he said. “We kind of took their small idea of helping out and blew it up into our own separate charity event. Every year we’ve been growing which has been great. People are donating tons of stuff to our raffle and giving generous cash donations. Everyone is interested in coming out and supporting the cause.”
A trip to the Geisinger Janet Weis facility in Montour County several years ago stuck with Heim and makes the yearly fundraiser even more rewarding.
“After the first year we did the fundraiser, myself and some people from Lackawanna Esports got a tour of the children’s hospital and they told us all about the stories of people who were able to get care and then live fruitful lives,” he said.
