That’s right, May 24th the South Florida Xbox Meetup Group is planning their 2nd rhythm game tournament, this time featuring Rock Band, to benefit the The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I made mention of the first tournament they put together, but I want to do my part to make sure the word is getting out. True, if you’ve been on GamerTagRadio you’ve probably already heard, and if you’ve been here and not GTR, I must be doing something more right than I ever expected! Still, if you live in the Ft. Lauderdale area, make it a point to make your way to this event. Big names, and more entertainment than you can shake a Wii Remote at.

I think my three favorite things are worthwhile charities, my Xbox 360, and the NHL. Which is why, when Gamasutra posted this article about how Microsoft has recently partnered with Companions in Courage, I had to let you all know about it!

Microsoft is giving hospitals across the country specially designed Xbox 360 Kiosks, with their own sort of “subnet” to Xbox Live.

“The customized Xbox 360 kiosks are pre-loaded with Y-rated TV programs, G-rated movies, and games rated E and E10+. Xbox 360 Headsets and Xbox Live Vision Cameras are also included to allow young patient to chat (via voice, text, and video) and play games with other children in select hospitals included in the dedicated Xbox Live network.“
This is really a great thing, and I commend Pat LaFontaine’s organization, Microsoft, and the Xbox Live team especially, for putting something like this together.

I’m going to apologize up front if this post drags on, but it’s something that should be said.

So I downloaded a recent podcast episode of GamerTagRadio, a staple in the Xbox Live Community. In the opening minutes of the show, Godfree made a remark that he was “disappointed” in the Xbox Live Community. I listened intently. He made it clear that he didn’t want to stand on a soap box and preach, that wasn’t his role, but as one of the most famous and powerful podcasters in the community, he wanted to bring charity into the limelight.

The point was made that late breaking news spreads like wildfire, but what about the good things gamers do?

You may have heard a few things about RagingJellyBean and the Halo 3 Tournament to help get her surgery. If you’ve been asking “How does playing Halo give a girl a new kidney?” - why haven’t you clicked a link to find out more? The tournament has a $10 entry fee, and all proceeds will go to the fund trying to help RJB! In another case, a Guitar Hero III tournament will be brought together by a large group of gamers, Red Octane, GTR, & SFX360 (South Florida Xbox 360 Meetup), all for the benefit of The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. And my good buddy DeaconBlade 360, over at his Unscripted 360, has been doing everything in his power to get a poor kid who was robbed a 360. Maybe not as huge a charity, but still a great thing to try and take over. I’ve been supporting it as much as possible, and I will continue to promote this, and many other charity events in the future.

I am cooking up a few things of my own, and I found out my sister (send her a message!) spent some time at an event I can only assume was a tie in between Hollywood princess Dakota Fanning, GameCrazy stores, and Child’s Play. Momentum is growing, and these charities are doing good things, but, as Godfree and crew said, it’s our job as the bloggers and podcasters to help spread the word. A post in a forum is sometimes all we can do, but independent journalist have the duty of spreading the word as best they can. So keep it up, folks. I know I will!

GTR & SFX360 Sponsors GH III Tournament April 5th Fundraiser Event to benefit LLS
Finish RJB’s Fight
Child’s Play Charity
U360 Cares