Friday, December 6, 2024

Colorado Plays

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Geeks of Grandeur Gone, But Never Forgotten…

I recently found out that one of my favorite local charities had to hang it up. It’s a sad day as Geeks of Grandeur was one of our favorite programs. Not only did it have a great purpose, but the people who ran it are simply amazing.

It’s not going to be the same without the Halloween Hallo-baloo.

What Was Geeks of Grandeur?

Geeks of Grandeur was a small organization that specialized in creating medical-grade gaming equipment for sick kids at Children’s Hospital. Essentially, these were gaming systems that could easily be rolled from one bed to another.

The idea was to give kids something to think about other than being bedridden in a hospital. And since reducing stress has been found to help in the healing process, Geeks of Grandeur assisted in the recovery of many little ones.

Although I wasn’t able to give them as much money as I would have liked, I did attend the Halloween parties and walked away with a few of the auction items last year.

And the year before. Pablo’s Coffee is amazing.

Not to mention linking my Amazon Smile account to the organization.

What Geeks of Grandeur Meant to Me

Although it was a short run, Geeks of Grandeur made a big impact on us. Not only was it an incredible cause, but the people who ran it…well, I consider them friends.

Helping Sick Kids

What attracted us to the organization was the fact we do as much as we can to help sick kids. We support Extra Life every year and was looking for something local to be a part of.

When Sam stumbled across Geeks of Grandeur, we knew immediately we wanted to be a part of it.

My daughter had to spend a weekend at Children’s when she was about four or five. She had an acute asthma attack that turned her little lips blue. And as a parent, something like that scares the shit out of you.

Children’s Hospital was amazing. And anything we can do to help is always a top priority at ColoradoPlays.

Incredible Social Experience

As I mentioned before, we love Halloween parties. And the two years that we went, we’ve met some awesome people. I was really looking forward to a third, but then the pandemic hit and I was worried it would postpone Hallo-baloo.

Actually, that was one of the first things I thought back in February as soon as COVID-19 was making the news.

Both parties were held at Schomp Mini here in Colorado. It’s a very nice location, and it was a great experience. It’s one of those things that will stick with you for the rest of your life.

Meeting Some Awesome People

Geeks Of Grandeur Charity Couple

Kenny and Carleen, the founders of Geeks of Grandeur, are perhaps two of the most amazing people I’ve met. They truly care about what they do and have the biggest hearts you can imagine.

I really didn’t feel like going to the party last year. It was just weeks after my 20-year-old son committed suicide. But everyone felt I needed to get out of the house.

When Kenny and Carleen found out about my son, they hugged me and told me if I needed anything to contact them. They always made me feel welcome, and how they care for everyone is inspiring.

Even though I really didn’t want to go, I am glad I did.

It Was a Short, but Amazing, Ride

Even though it was a short-lived adventure, I’m glad I was a part of Geeks of Grandeur. And if they ever decide to bring it back or go another road, they can count me in.

It’s people like Kenny and Carleen that make organizations like this more than just a charity you toss money at.

It’s an experience that travels with you forever.

Yes, they will always be a part of our “Gaming Heroes.”

Michael Brockbank
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Michael Brockbank

Michael developed ColoradoPlays to help various charities through his favorite pastime. Since then, the blog and Twitch channels have donated several hundred dollars to Extra Life, Geeks of Grandeur and Operation Supply Drop, to name a few.