Over the weekend, Zach Wigal, founder of Gamers Outreach, was inducted into the Saline High School Hall of Fame! For those of you familiar with our origin story, you can probably imagine how sentimental this honor is to our entire team. We’re incredibly grateful to Saline Area Schools for recognizing the accomplishments of our community. This is an award to be shared with the many volunteers and donors who’ve made our impact possible – some who’ve been involved since the early high school days!
Zach began Gamers Outreach in 2007 as a high school student at Saline, after public safety officials canceled a video game tournament he organized due to concerns regarding the appropriateness of content. Since its founding 14 years ago, Gamers Outreach has grown to support video game devices in over 230 healthcare facilities. It’s estimated between 2 – 2.5 million play sessions are enabled each year for kids and families undergoing treatment. Zach has also since been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list and was recognized as one of the top 10 CNN Heroes of 2019!
While Gamers Outreach now maintains a national presence, its annual fundraiser – Gamers for Giving – still takes place in Southeast Michigan, attracting top gamers and esports enthusiasts from around the country. The organization is focused on empowering hospitalized children through video games – restoring a sense of joy and normalcy in the lives of kids while they receive care.
“It’s an honor to be recognized by my alma mater in this way, especially considering our work originated in this environment,” said Zach Wigal. “We’re proud to represent Saline and more broadly, the state of Michigan, wherever we go. My team and I hope this recognition brings attention to the challenges families are facing in hospitals each day – and how young people can make their own impact.”
Zach returned to Saline High School to accept the award this past weekend, accompanied by some of the same friends who helped kindle the organization’s early activities as high school students.
