It seems like any charity-minded fraternity brother’s dream: the opportunity to make a positive difference in the world by picking up an Xbox controller and getting in-game. Now, the ALS Therapy Development Institute (ALS TDI), in partnership with Pi Iota Chapter of Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) Fraternity at the Worcester Polytechnic Institute, are making this a reality as part of the Gamers vs. ALS program.
The Gamers vs. ALS program invites people all over the world to stream video games through Tiltify, the #1 fundraising platform for livestreams, to raise money for ALS TDI’s critical research to find effective ALS treatments. As a part of this effort, the Brothers of Pi Iota FIJI have organized a Call of Duty Modern Warfare Tournament to benefit ALS TDI on May 16, 2020.
PI Iota FIJI has a deep connection to ALS and ALS TDI. The cause is close to their hearts because of the loss Stephen Rubin, a fraternity brother, entrepreneur, and former chairman of the WPI board of trustees who passed from ALS in 2015. They have previously supported ALS TDI’s research through their Dunk a FIJI event, which raised over $3000this past year.
“We believe that it is Pi Iota's duty to support ALS research,” said New Brothers of Pi Iota of Phi Gamma Delta in a statement. “Brother Stephen Rubin '74 passed from ALS in 2015; he was greatly invested for the better of WPI and our chapter. To honor him and help prevent future tragic loss, the Pi Iota philanthropy team has decided to host this tournament to fund ALS TDI.”
The tournament will take place Saturday, May 16, 2020 at 1:00 PM ET. A bracket of two-person teams will face each other online in the popular first-person shooter. Teams can register here for a $10 or more donation to ALS TDI. The first team to six wins in each match will advance to the next round, and the bracket champions will receive a t-shirt, as well as bragging rights.
All teams, winners and losers both, will be able to take away the sense that they used some of their gaming time to support a great cause. This is particularly vital in the wake of social distancing efforts around the COVID-19 pandemic, which has led to the postponement and cancellation of many physical events and fundraisers.
You can find more information and sign up for Pi Iota FIJI’s Call of Duty tournament here. For more information about Gamers vs. ALS, click here.
