Gaming for a cause: Game marathon benefits charity, offers cash prizes

FORT BENNING, Ga., (July 24, 2013) -- For all those who have ever said that playing video games isn't productive, a group of gaming enthusiasts in Dothan, Ala., is setting out to prove them wrong.

On Aug 4-5, gamers will have a chance to play their favorite games for charity. 1UP Games, Fanatix, Hometown Lenders and Screw This Level will present the Dothan area's first Circle City Game-A-Thon, a 24-hour gaming session that will benefit Mission Firefly, a mission-based organization with a focus on combating poverty in South America.

The event will be held at 1UP Games, a store that specializes in video games from all eras as well as providing a place for gamers to share their common interests. 1UP is located at 3074 Ross Clark Circle #11 in Dothan.

The event will begin at 5 p.m. Aug. 3, and last until 5 p.m. Aug. 4. During that time, there will be speed runs of classic video games from the 8- and 16-bit eras, as well as door prizes.

The real highlight of the night, however, may be the two competitive tournaments that will be held.

Gamers will have the opportunity to show off their skills at Halo 4 and Super Smash Bros. Melee. Tournaments will carry a $10 entry fee, with a $100 cash prize to the top finisher.

However, if video games aren't your strong suit, there will also be card and board games, including a Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game tournament at Fanatix, 1UP's sister business. The two share a store, with Fanatix specializing in trading card and board games.

There will be a $5 cover charge for the Circle City Game-A-Thon, which will include one raffle ticket.

Additional raffle tickets will be available for $2 each.

Raffle and door prizes will include a 32-inch 1080p Insignia television and a weekend at a condominium in Panama City Beach, Fla.

For more information and a full schedule of events, visit dothangameathon.com.