What started as a canceled Halo 2 tournament by a high schooler from Saline has since transformed into a global force for good.
That’s the story of Gamers Outreach, a nonprofit founded in 2007 by Zach Wigal, a student at Saline High School, who wanted to bring together gamers for a charitable cause. Nearly two decades later, the organization has evolved from local LAN parties into a worldwide movement that delivers play—through video games—to children in the hospital.
The power of play
“For millions of children, hospitalization isn’t just about physical healing—it’s about emotional endurance,” said Danreb Victorio, the foundation’s Community Coordinator. “We’re here to bring a sense of normalcy back to their lives.”
Danreb, who has been with the organization for seven months, explains that their mission is simple but profound: ensure that hospitalized kids have access to play. And not just any kind of play—but video games, an activity that engages children, helps distract from pain, supports physical therapy and gives them a chance to just be kids again…