For 24 hours, it’s board games galore at Hotel Indigo this weekend as dozens of firefighters, families and gaming fanatics participate in the second annual board game-a-thon to support Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund.
Beginning today at 6 p.m. and ending Saturday at 6 p.m., around 50 people are expected to join in on the 24-hour event aimed to raise money and toy donations for the local cheer fund whose mission is to help underprivileged children at Christmas.
The idea for the day-long event came from a group of Cummins Inc. employees who play games together every Tuesday night. Tyson O’Haver, the event organizer, said he and the group started discussing how they could incorporate games into a fundraiser for the Cheer Fund.
“We were hoping to raise maybe $500 or $600, but last year’s event became a lot bigger than we expected,” O’Haver said.
In preparation for the event, O’Haver said he took today off from work and plans to spend the day relaxing and tying up any loose ends before tonight’s event kicks off.
“I’m consuming lots of caffeine and pushing through it,” O’Haver said.
Last year, only a few attendees played games for the full 24 hours. Others came and went with a long night’s rest in between.
Tickets are $20 for entry and include 24 hours of fun, food and a chance to earn raffle prizes. Participants are also asked to donate one toy for the Cheer Fund’s annual toy drive.
Hotel Indigo has donated its conference room to the Cheer Fund for use for the event, and several local businesses have donated food, drinks, raffle prizes and funds to ensure all proceeds from the event benefits the Cheer Fund.
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What: Columbus Firemen’s Cheer Fund 24-Hour Board Game-A-Thon
When: 6 p.m. today to 6 p.m. Saturday
Where: Hotel Indigo, 400 Brown St.
Who: Open to the public
Cost: $20 per person and a donated toy or game to support the Cheer Fund
Why: To support the Cheer Fund’s mission of helping underprivileged children during the holiday season
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