Blizzard employee offering a lifetime pass to raise money for Leukemia and Lymphoma Society
by Mike Schramm 
Dec 28th 2008 at 2:00PM
Here's a cool way to donate some money to charity and have a chance at probably the best prize a WoW player could want. Katherine Allen (our own Michael Sacco, formerly known as "Belfaire," says she's a friend) is raising money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and she's offering a contest with each donation: by giving at least $25 and putting an Alliance or Horde comment on the donation page, she'll enter everyone who does so in a drawing to win one of three one-year timecards for the game. And because donations have already topped $5500 (as of this writing, they're at $7,420), she's picking one more name out of the hat, to win a lifetime subscription. That's right -- donate, win, and you'll never have to pay for WoW again.Very nice -- not only is that an amazing prize, but it's awesome that because of the generosity of WoW fans, they've already met their fundraising goal for the society, and then some. Donations are being accepted until January 5th, so there's still time to get your name in the pot if you'd like. Even if you don't pick up a prize, you'll be helping to try and save the lives of 145 people a day, and while trouncing the Lich King is definitely a thrill, helping people in real life is even better.
Filed under: Analysis / Opinion, Events, Fan stuff, Virtual selves, Odds and ends, Blizzard, Making money
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Aleph Dec 28th 2008 2:10PM
I wonder if they accept donations from other countries. :/
Then again, I won't feel right about "donating" if I'm only after the WoW benefit. That kind of defeats the purpose and meaning of charity. :x
Rihlsul Dec 28th 2008 2:17PM
Maybe - but cash doesn't come with spirit. One can donate a million to charity for purely tax purposes - doesn't mean that the million doesn't help people. =)
G Dec 28th 2008 4:17PM
An incentive is not inherently bad. Think of it this way: The prizes have already been allotted by a 3rd party. They will go to someone. Now you can make them be worth an extra $25 (or more). The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society will unquestionably be better off with your donation than without, no matter what the reason.
The Claw Dec 28th 2008 6:54PM
I'd rather think that the purpose and meaning of charity is to help people, not to make yourself feel good for doing something altruistic.
artifex Dec 29th 2008 3:36AM
Claw: Oh, please. Feeling good about what you're doing is fine, as long as it gets the job done. Which is more important, anyway: actions or intent?
I notice over $13K given so far. Good job!
Vandessa Dec 30th 2008 9:28AM
I look at it this way, this is Blizzard flexing it's muscle to help those in need by offering an incentive to get donations. Penny Arcade does that with it's Children in Need auctions, too. Then there is the umpteen thousands of items in stores you can buy that give a portion to the Susan G. Komen foundation...
Also, the US government offers tax deductions when you make charitable donations...
Khrono Dec 28th 2008 2:17PM
Well I donated. For the Alliance!
Ross & Bryce Dec 28th 2008 2:18PM
Thanks for the story! We were looking for a charity to donate to this year.
DJ Bat Dec 28th 2008 2:25PM
What an amazing person to do this. Very cool.
Dightkuz Dec 28th 2008 3:03PM
I don't like helping.
Jake Dec 28th 2008 4:30PM
donated, possibly donating more later.
Mooberry Jan 5th 2009 6:30PM
As a father of a child with Leukemia, I want to offer a personal thanks to Katherine, and to all that give. My Son was 3 when he was diagnosed. Without the wonderful help that the LLS gives to research centers my son quite possibly would not be here today. Survival has gone from 40% to 95% in the last 20 years. With all of us banding together to help it may reach 100% on day. So think of the children and give with your heart and not just with your want to have a subscription.
sSword Dec 28th 2008 3:28PM
a lifetime of wow, and im trying to cut down playing as it is...
Matchu Dec 28th 2008 3:32PM
Sadly she/the company doesn't accept my card so I will be unable to donate. However, good luck to her. It's an honourable cause.
Marluxia.Kyoshu Dec 28th 2008 4:25PM
Imma do this when payday hits.
Reinforcements Dec 28th 2008 4:54PM
Let this be a lesson to charities - one thing all WoW players really do have in common is disposable income.
Also they're good people I guess?
jake Dec 28th 2008 6:34PM
I think she should have set a higher goal its already at $11,020 the last i looked.
Jayo Dec 28th 2008 7:33PM
Katherine is hot.
Donate for that reason, at least.
=D
Driphter Dec 28th 2008 7:52PM
I donated, but can't figure out how to leave a comment...
~Driphter
Dahk Dec 28th 2008 11:12PM
I believe when you're at the window where you input your address and such, you can choose an option near the bottom to leave a message. That's where I left my comment at least.