24-hour video game marathon for Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital under way in Cleveland

CLEVELAND - What does playing video games for 24 hours get you other than sore thumbs? How about $12,000.

Gamers in northeast Ohio, more than 130 of them, are taking part in the national Extra Life 24-hour gaming marathon to raise money for Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, the local Children’s Miracle Network hospital.

“It’s like a 5k (running race) except you do it on the couch,” said event organizer and hospital employee Jeff Ford.

While some are playing in the comfort of their own homes, others are playing in a plush temporary man cave in the lower level of the hospital set up by Danny Vegh’s home entertainment.

Cavs’ game host Ahmad Crump and team mascot Sir C.C. gave players, both at the hospital and to those playing online, a countdown to the 8 p.m. start Friday evening.

Players raise money by being sponsored to play for a minimum of $1 per hour for all 24 hours. Three times more money has already been pledged this year over last year.

“We’re really proud of all the gamers out there in Cleveland for doing this for Rainbow,” Ford said.

The Cleveland Warriors, a group of Cleveland-area safety forces and military personnel, presented a check for $1,000 before the gaming began.