Boise State Esports teamed up with Idaho Central Credit Union once again to host the annual Giving Games. The tournament matches up local business with each other in a Call of Duty tournament. The event, held at the Boise State Esports Arena, raised over $2,000 in just three days. Eight teams competed in the tournament, with Boise State’s alumni team claiming victory on Championship Saturday. Five of the teams that competed represented Idaho Central Credit Union. Another two represented other businesses, including Kansas’s Esports Supply, and one team was the aforementioned Boise State Alumni Team.
The teams competed both online and at the Esports Arena, with the Food Bank kicking off the broadcast with an interview Sheila Elwell, the Corporate and Community Relations Coordinator at the Idaho Food Bank. The team from the Food Bank took in the opening matches for the event, and got to meet one of the teams competing.
The funds raised will help combat food insecurity in Idaho this holiday season. According to Elwell, 14.5% of Idaho children experience food insecurity. This year’s Giving Games contributed to the Food Bank’s holiday goal of providing food for 3.7 million meals in November and December. Every five dollars donated to the Giving Games generates 15 meals, according to the Food Bank.
“One of the most enjoyable parts of our year is using what we love to support our community,” said Boise State Esports Head Coach Doc Haskell. This marks the fourth year Boise State and ICCU have partnered to host the event.
Donations for the Giving Games will remain open through the weekend. Giving Games concludes with a Mario Smash Bros. event taking place in the Esports Arena. Contributions can be made at idahofoodbank.org/donate.