Madison Martial Arts’ ‘Extra Life 2014’ to benefit Children’s of Alabama

The suspense is tense as gamers strategize during Extra Life 2013. Madison Martial Arts Academy will host this year’s event on Oct. 25-26 to benefit Children’s of Alabama. (CONTRIBUTED)

MADISON – Madison Martial Arts Academy invites the public to ‘play a game, save a life’ at “Extra Life 2014” to benefit Children’s of Alabama.

Extra Life will start Oct. 25 at 8 a.m. and cover 24 hours to Oct. 26 at 8 a.m. at the academy, 11156 County Line Road, Suite F in Arbor Crossings.

“Extra Life was started to honor a girl, Victoria Enmon, battling acute lymphoblastic leukemia. A local-to-her gamer community sent games to keep her spirits up during numerous hospital stays,” academy owner Russell Newquist said. “Tragically, she lost her battle.”

In only two years, that group raised more than $300,00 for Victoria’s hospital, he said.

“Come join us for a day of gaming. If you’re up for it, try to last all 24 hours,” owner Russell Newquist said. Participants can ‘come and go’ and are encouraged to collect donations or “throw some money in the pot.”

Everyone is welcome to attend. Dojo membership isn’t required.

Morning hours will cater to pre-school children; the Chick-fil-A cow will visit from 10 a.m. to noon. Older children will enjoy afternoon hours, while teenagers will dominate evening sessions.

Morgan Newquist, Russell’s wife, suggested aligning with Extra Life. “It’s hard to find something better than helping save children’s lives. Extra Life itself takes none of the money,” he said.

For Extra Life 2014, tables will hold video, LEGO, Mario Kart, card and board games. “We’ll have a 24-hour paper-and-dice Pathfinder setup (with breaks),” Newquist said.

Newquist expects up to 50 people to attend throughout the day. “We’re expecting a pretty solid mixture of all age groups,” he said.

Marco’s Pizza will offer 50-percent discounts, plus the academy will serve refreshments.

A Children’s Miracle Network hospital, Children’s of Alabama has provided specialized medical care since 1911. With more than 2 million square feet, Children’s is the country’s third largest pediatric medical facility.

For Extra Life updates, visit Facebook/MadisonMartialArtsAcademy and Twitter ShinNagare. For general information, call 256-258-8554, email to info@madisonmartialarts.com or visit extra-life.org or madisonmartialarts.com.