A 24-hour gaming marathon organized by Uplink Studios in Glenmoore managed to raise thousands of dollars for Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, writes Matteo Iadonisi for 6abc.

For the event, owner Derek Rodner partnered with Extra Life, a program of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals, and invited the community to participate. For a full 24 hours, gamers both young and old stopped by the studio to play, stream, and raise money for this worthy cause.

The goal for the day was to raise $2,000, but the group managed to blow past it and set a first-time high tally of over $5,000.

“I think this has been a huge success,” said Rodner, who plans to organize the event annually.

Rodner started Uplink Studios after he realized there was a growing amount of scholarship dollars available at the university level for esports. To get them, kids needed to get more experience in an organized setting.

“I thought there needs to be something to give these kids structure and training so they can learn teamwork and sportsmanship and respect and leadership,” said Rodner.

The studio was a huge success and is now home to five gaming leagues and many tournaments.

Read more about Uplink Studios at 6abc.