Gamers Raise Over $20,500 For Autism Research

Online, August 23, 2011 (Newswire.com) - The Organization for Autism Research (OAR) is excited to announce the success of Summer Games Done Quick a fundraising event presented by Speed Demos Archive. From August 4-6, 2011, thousands of gamers world-wide watched as 25 players in Utah played 50 games in over 60 hours during this online event. Donations made participants eligible for prizes, voting for particular games and players, and types of play.

This incredibly successful event raised over $20,500 for autism research. This money will be used towards a Speed Demos Archive sponsored study. At OAR's October Scientific Council meeting and Board of Directors meeting, the 2011 research competition winners will be decided. The list of winners will be presented to Speed Demos Archive and they will choose the study that they will sponsor. This is an exciting opportunity for fundraiser participants to see directly where the funds raised are applied.

Speed Demos Archive chooses a beneficiary for each marathon game fund raiser. OAR had the honor of being the beneficiary for this Summer 2011 event. Mike Uyama, event organizer and creator of Speed Demos Archive, chose OAR because of its focus on applied research. "When Mike called me in May about the fund raiser, I had no idea how involved, organized, and generous the gaming community is," notes Allison Gilmour, Director, Programs and Community Outreach at OAR. "I am blown away by the success of the Summer Games and the numerous messages I received from participants about autism touching their lives. It was great to see participants excited about, not just the event, but also autism research. This was a very impressive and successful fundraising effort."

OAR is grateful to all participants who helped raise money for autism research and spread autism awareness throughout the videogame community. To read more about Speed Demos Archive presents Summer Games Done Quick, please visit http://speeddemosarchive.com/marathon/.