Scott Shackford on Video Games as a Tool for Philanthropy

Desert Bus screen shot

Years ago, Jerry Lewis and his telethon for the Muscular Dystrophy Association dominated the airwaves every Labor Day. While MDA still raises millions through the telethon, about as much as it ever has, it does so now without Lewis and with just a couple of hours of actual television airtime. But the decline of the televised telethon should not be seen as a sign of disinterest in combining entertainment with philanthropy via mass popular culture. Instead, Scott Shackford suggests, look online and see how avid gamers are using their favorite recreational activities to raise millions for health-related causes. Climb aboard the Desert Bus and prepare to shill out a few coins … for the children!