How one workplace used Mario Kart to raise funds and awareness for mental health in gaming
Earlier this year, Wolf & Company, a national accounting and advisory firm, hosted the Gaming for Good fundraiser, a Mario Kart tournament designed to bring employees together while raising funds for Take This. The event was spearheaded by Christopher George, Chair of Wolf & Company’s Neurodiverse Collaborative Employee Resource Group, who was inspired by Take This’ presence at PAX East.
In total, the event raised funds through participation fees, generated buzz throughout the office, and even crowned a champion with a truly one-of-a-kind Top Banana Trophy. But beyond the fundraising, the event also highlighted the positive impacts of gaming on mental health and inclusion.
We sat down with Christopher to learn more about what inspired the event, how it came together, and what advice he has for others looking to bring creativity and connection into their workplace philanthropy.
What inspired you and your company to create the Gaming for Good event?
At Wolf & Company, we’re always looking for creative ways to blend our culture of community engagement with fun, educational, and inclusive experiences. Gaming for Good was inspired by Twitch streamers, speed runners, and other online communities who regularly use gaming as a platform to raise funds for charity. We wanted to bring that same energy into our workplace by creating an event that felt new and exciting, especially for those who might not connect with traditional fundraising formats.
Why did you choose to support Take This for this fundraiser?
I first learned about Take This via their AFK Room at PAX East. As a Chair of our Neurodiverse Collaborative Employee Resource Group, I was moved by the presence of this dedicated, low sensory space within such a high sensory (and sometimes overwhelming) environment. After leaving PAX East, I dove deeper into the organization’s mission and felt an instant connection to their work. Their commitment to destigmatizing mental health in the gaming community resonated strongly with my own passion for promoting awareness and inclusion of neurodiverse individuals in the workplace.
Why did you choose Mario Kart as the game for the tournament?
Mario Kart is one of those games that transcends generations, it’s deeply intertwined into gaming culture on every level. Whether you’re a gamer from the ‘90s or just picked up World on the Switch 2, its intuitive controls make it accessible to both seasoned racers and newcomers. What makes Mario Kart truly special is its chaotic unpredictability. You can go from first to twelfth in seconds, which levels the playing field and reminds everyone not to take it too seriously.
How did you promote the event internally, and what kind of response did you get from colleagues?
We promoted the event via internal newsletters, staff meetings, and posting them to our conference room TVs. Word of mouth also played a large role as folks speculated on what version we’ll play, which courses would be chosen, and if the prizes were real or not! Surprise, the prizes were real, and our champions walked away with a coveted Top Banana Trophy and an official Nintendo 64 Mario Kart License imported from Japan.
How were funds raised through the event?
Funds for the event were raised through registration fees from both participants and attendees. A company-wide survey was sent out a month in advance to gauge interest and encourage sign-ups. Each tournament contestant contributed a $25 donation to participate, while attendees donated $10 to watch the event.
What were some of your favorite moments or highlights from the tournament?
It’s the final round of the tournament and the room is full of energy. Our finalists are tearing through Rainbow Road (N64 version of course) and the top two racers are in the lead up to the finish line. Suddenly, the racer in second launches a perfectly aimed green shell to overtake his opponent and take first place! It’s a photo finish for the record books; the kind of excitement that reminds us of why we play games.
What kind of impact do you hope this event had beyond just fundraising?
Beyond raising money, Gaming for Good is about creating a space where people can connect through gaming and explore its relationship to mental health. We do this by presenting studies on the positive impacts of gaming and the supportive nature of certain gaming communities. Additionally, we provide a list of games that promote mental health awareness in meaningful ways such as Gone Home, Celeste, That Dragon Cancer, or Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice. By sharing these games, we aim to foster empathy, spark dialogue, and promote greater awareness.
Any advice you’d give to others looking to host a workplace fundraiser like this?
Lean into the fun and embrace nostalgia! Choose a game that spans generations to spark interest across the workplace, something familiar enough to be inviting, but exciting enough to spark newcomers. Get creative with your prizes! Our Top Banana Trophy (an actual plastic banana on a pedestal) added a memorable twist that really drove people to want to win. Finally, collaborate! Work with your company’s philanthropy committee, fundraising teams, and leadership to understand what’s already being done and then do something different. A fresh approach can re-energize participation and open doors for new opportunities to spread awareness and create impact.
Have an idea for a workplace fundraiser but not sure where to begin? Our Philanthropy and Partnerships Officer can help—reach out at Kim@TakeThis.org!