BADAS Society Raises $2,767 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Through Extra Life 2024
Written By: Layla Dubreucq
The Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences (BADAS) Society once again showcased their dedication to philanthropy and community support by raising $2,767 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital through the Extra Life 2024 gaming fundraiser. The event, held from March 22nd to 23rd at the PICT in the Digital Worlds Institute, brought together students, faculty, and community members for a 24-hour gaming marathon.
Extra Life is an annual fundraising event that unites gamers worldwide in support of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. BADAS Society, a student-run organization within the BADAS program, organized the event, which featured a variety of games, tournaments, and donation incentives to engage participants and donors.
The funds raised by BADAS Society will support critical treatments, research, and medical equipment for children at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. This year marked the 7th annual Extra Life event hosted by BADAS Society, and they achieved the remarkable feat of being the Number 1 fundraiser on the player leaderboard in Florida and in the top 30 for the United States.
The event was livestreamed on Twitch, allowing viewers from all over to join in the gaming fun and contribute to the cause. Elizabeth Jaimes Lazcano, Vice President of BADAS Society, expressed her enthusiasm for the event, stating, “Ever since I heard about Extra Life, it has been such an exciting event that I look forward to every Spring semester.”
Students of BADAS Society played numerous games such as Minecraft, Roblox, Among Us, and Fortnite to fundraise for UF Health Shands Hospital. Tournaments for games such as Mario Kart and Super Smash Bros were also incorporated, where the top 3 winners received a prize.
Throughout the 24-hour livestream, BADAS Society welcomed guest appearances from Digital World’s lecturers, including Aaron Kalron, Chelsea Cantrell, and Darius Brown. Interim Executive Director Tim Difato also made an appearance. These guests joined in the gaming fun and helped raise money for the cause.
Justin Marlin, Associate Director of Student Services and Administration at Digital Worlds, praised the students’ efforts. “This year’s Extra Life event was truly remarkable,” said Marlin. “The students were fully engaged, enjoying themselves, and united for a great cause. We are proud of their commitment to supporting the community.”
There were numerous donation incentives to engage donors to fundraise for the cause. For the $500 donation milestone, a BADAS member was challenged to eat a handful of sour warheads, while the $1500 donation milestone challenged a member to get pied in the face. BADAS Society members incorporated fun and challenging activities to motivate their peers to be involved and help out children in Alachua County.
As Elizabeth Jaimes Lazcano reflected on the event, she highlighted the joy shared by all participants, emphasizing the event’s true purpose of making a difference in children’s lives. “I’m glad I got to be a part of such a wonderful cause, and I’m going to miss it once I graduate,” Jaimes Lazcano said.
