What started as a canceled Halo 2 tournament by a high schooler from Saline has since transformed into a global force for good.
That’s the story of Gamers Outreach, a nonprofit founded in 2007 by Zach Wigal, a student at Saline High School, who wanted to bring together gamers for a charitable cause. Nearly two decades later, the organization has evolved from local LAN parties into a worldwide movement that delivers play—through video games—to children in the hospital.
The power of play
“For millions of children, hospitalization isn’t just about physical healing—it’s about emotional endurance,” said Danreb Victorio, the foundation’s Community Coordinator. “We’re here to bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives.”
Danreb, who has been with the organization for seven months, explains that their mission is simple but profound: ensure that hospitalized kids have access to play. And not just any kind of play—but video games, an activity that engages children, helps distract from pain, supports physical therapy and gives them a chance to just be kids again.
“Video games can give kids back a little piece of their childhood,” Danreb said. “They’re fun, they’re interactive and they meet kids where they are—both literally and emotionally.”
GO Karts
One of the coolest and most creative tools the nonprofit has developed is called the GO Kart—a portable video game kiosk specifically designed for hospital use. Funded by donors, GO Karts are sent directly to hospitals where staff members assemble and manage them. The result? Kids in hospital beds can easily access games like Minecraft, Mario Kart, or FIFA, right from their rooms.
But GO Karts aren’t just toys—they’re tools for healing.
“GO Karts have been used as part of physical therapy sessions,” Danreb shares. “Games can help rebuild motor skills or motivate a child to move a limb they’ve been reluctant to use. It’s amazing how something as simple as a controller can become part of a care plan.”
Michigan roots, global reach
Although the work happens around the world, Gamers Outreach has never forgotten its local roots.
“Zach founded the organization in Saline, and that spirit of community from Southeast Michigan is still in our DNA,” said Danreb. “Our business address is in Michigan, and many of our earliest events and fundraisers happened in Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
One of those events is Gamers For Giving, an annual fundraising gaming marathon that has grown into one of the biggest charitable gaming events in the U.S. It draws streamers, developers and supporters from all over, both online and in-person. Over the years, the event has raised millions of dollars to fund GO Karts and other Gamers Outreach programs.
Today, the organization has 12 remote employees scattered across the U.S.—from California to Pennsylvania—with volunteers and hospital partners in 13 countries.
“We’re not just a Michigan organization anymore,” Danreb said. “But Michigan is still home.”
Play is a team sport
Gamers Outreach doesn’t stop at delivering video games. They also run something called the Player 2 Program, a volunteer initiative where trained individuals visit hospitals to play with child patients directly. This offers kids not only a break from their medical routines but also social connection during a time when loneliness can be as debilitating as illness.
RELATED: Ann Arbor Guide to Volunteer Opportunities for Kids
“This program is something the hospitals regulate on their own after enrolling with us,” Danreb explained. “We just help lay the groundwork and support them with tools.”
While there aren’t currently any Player 2 volunteers stationed specifically in Ann Arbor hospitals, Danreb said their operations team is always looking to expand—and that includes finding more Michigan-based hospitals and volunteers to join the program.
Want to help? Game on
Feeling inspired? Good. Because you don’t need to be a doctor or a pro-gamer to make a difference.
“There are so many ways to get involved,” Danreb emphasizes. “We have a monthly giving program called The GRID, and folks can also fundraise online, host charity streams, or start corporate partnerships with us. Even sharing our posts on social media can go a long way.”
Donations can also take the form of in-kind gifts—like new gaming equipment—or just good old-fashioned word-of-mouth support. The organization’s website, gamersoutreach.org, lays out all the different ways to contribute, whether you’re a high school student with a Twitch account or a business leader looking to give back.
“If you’re passionate about helping kids and love video games, this is your home,” says Danreb. “This is where purpose and play come together.”
More than a game
Gamers Outreach may work behind the scenes, often through hospital staff and volunteers, but its impact is real and lasting. In fact, it’s measurable. Each year, thousands of children benefit from their programs—and each GO Kart delivered can be used by hundreds of patients during its lifetime.
“It’s not just a one-time moment of fun,” Danreb said. “It’s ongoing. It’s part of the hospital environment now.”
He adds, “Hospitals can be tough places, even for adults. For kids, it’s terrifying. If we can offer a little bit of joy, a little bit of adventure, that can change their whole outlook.”
From cancelled tournament to worldwide movement
All of this came from a high schooler in Saline who just wanted to host a gaming tournament. When that tournament was shut down due to misconceptions about video games and their community, Zach Wigal didn’t give up—he started something better.
Gamers Outreach was born not out of frustration, but from a desire to show the world what the gaming community can really do.
“Gamers are generous, thoughtful and creative,” Danreb said. “When we come together, we can do incredible things—not just in-game, but in real life.”
So next time someone tells you gaming is a waste of time, point them to a GO Kart. Or better yet, donate one.
Because here in Michigan—and far beyond—play has a purpose.
