Gen Con Chooses Charity Partners for 2018 Convention

Second Helpings and The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund Selected

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

INDIANAPOLIS (March 16, 2018) Gen Con, the longest running game convention in North America, has chosen Second Helpings and The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund as its Official Charity Partners for 2018. In the past, the convention officially collaborated with one philanthropic organization each year. As part of this agreement, both organizations will receive the 2018 proceeds from Gen Con’s longstanding charity events, including an auction, a balloon sculpture, and the popular “Cardhalla,” a giant destruction of card structures.

“By featuring both of these deserving groups we hope to bring awareness to charities in both the Indianapolis and greater gaming communities,” said David Hoppe, president of Gen Con. “The generosity of Gen Con attendees has made a huge difference for charity partners in the past and we’re looking forward to supporting Second Helpings and The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund in reaching their fundraising goals.”

Gen Con, which celebrated its 50th convention in 2017, has taken place in Indianapolis since 2003. During its time in Indy Gen Con has raised more than $260,000 for local charity partners.

“As Second Helpings celebrates our 20th anniversary we are delighted to partner with Gen Con as an Official Charity Partner,” said Katie Prine, senior director of philanthropy at Second Helpings. “Like Gen Con, we recognize the power in bringing a community together around a passion. Whether you are interested in hunger relief, fighting food waste, or eliminating poverty through culinary job training, we are working on all three. Second Helpings staff and volunteers are excited to welcome Gen Con 2018 attendees to Indianapolis this August, and we extend our gratitude to all attendees for joining the fight against hunger in Central Indiana.”

Last year, approximately 60,000 people attended (turnstile attendance reached 207,979) Gen Con 50, and participated in over 19,000 ticketed events. The convention sold out for the first time in its 50-year history and is expecting to sell out again.

"The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund is thrilled to be this year's Gen Con charity partner,” said John Kaufeld, board member of The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund. “It's an honor to have our work celebrated by the people we serve."

Gen Con will return to Indianapolis on August 2 – 5. Badges are still available and can be purchased at gencon.com

About Gen Con LLC

Gen Con LLC produces the largest consumer hobby, fantasy, science fiction, and adventure game convention in North America, Gen Con, The Best Four Days in Gaming!™. Acquired in 2002 by founder and former CEO of Wizards of the Coast, Peter Adkison, the company is headquartered in Seattle, Washington.

About The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund

The Jack Vasel Memorial Fund was started in April, 2011, in memory of Jack Vasel, son of Tom Vasel. Tom is an influential voice in the board gaming hobby, and the community rallied around him in his time of need. Amazed by this generosity and kindness, Tom was determined to help others who might undergo similar tragedies. The Fund was formed to collect and distribute financial assistance to members of the public who are part of the gaming community and who have suffered personal hardship. It is our hope and prayer that the Jack Vasel Memorial Fund will provide Jack with a legacy to help out the entire gaming community.

About Second Helpings

Second Helpings, Inc. accepts donated perishable and overstocked food to prepare nutritious meals for thousands of hungry children and adults every day, and distributes them free of charge through local social service agencies in Greater Indianapolis. Second Helpings also trains unemployed and underemployed adults for meaningful careers in the culinary industry.

Media Contact for Gen Con LLC

Stacia Kirby, (206) 363-1492, [email protected]