We’re only a few days out from our inaugural Magic: The Gathering charity event and livestream, The Chalice. But as the anticipation for the Block Party builds, and our team is putting the finishing touches on a stream offering prizes and donation perks aplenty, we want to take a moment and highlight why we’re rallying the MTG community to come together.
The Chalice benefits Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound, a volunteer-based organization which has helped Seattle-area youth for more than 60 years. In that time, they’ve continually demonstrated the power that meaningful 1-1 relationships can provide in improving not only the lives of the Littles, but the mentors as well. The BBBSPS team asks potential volunteers to think of that special person who guided them through a tough time at school, or that coach who knew how to make them feel successful regardless of the score. There is a certain magic that comes into your life just by knowing someone will be there for you when you need them, and The Chalice helps bring that magic to as many kids as possible.
With every $481 dollars we raise, we’re taking one child off a more than 800-person waitlist and giving them access to mentorship and resources to change their lives for the better, forever. 94% of kids in BBBSPS programs demonstrate higher self-esteem than before working with their Bigs; 80% had increased expectations for their future after high school, and BBBSPS had a 100% high school senior graduation rate last year. They’re helping kids facing all sorts of adversity and through hard work and support, every single high school senior in the program graduated in 2017.
BBBS volunteers come from all walks of life. Potential Bigs are screened, interviewed, and matched with a Little to create a long-term friendship. Littles run the gamut of needs from kids as young as six years old, to young men and women getting ready to leave high school looking for advice on careers, academic development and college essays.
The Chalice will be a weekend of spectacular Magic. We’ll have funny and exciting moments on the livestream, and at the end of it, one of our eight competitors will raise The Chalice trophy in celebration – but there is more to the event than just slinging spells. Your generosity will help this great organization to inspire the next generation.
To learn more about the great work Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound does, please visit https://inspirebig.org/, and don’t forget to tune in to Card Kingdom’s Twitch channel on October 20 & 21 to watch The Chalice and support youth in our community!
Photos provided by Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound and used with permission.