A big focus for me in 2016 is getting other people and organizations involved. I want everyone to see the things I see and hear the stories I hear. I want everyone to walk away feeling as inspired as I do. This is how I grow beyond just dropping off a stack of games and really make a difference. At least that’s my theory.

One of the organizations I’ve been discussing a partnership with is Skookum. They’re a full service software development firm here in Charlotte. When Coca Cola or Charlotte Mecklenburg Library needs a digital app created, this is who they go to. They’re all insanely creative people each with a drive to be involved in the community. It was one of those situations where it made too much sense.

Like every other gamer in the world I’ve been following the Oculus Rift technology closely. They recently partnered with University of Michigan to take their VR system to a children’s hospital and let the kids experience things they’ve never been able to before - like riding a roller coaster. If you need a smile, take a minute and watch the video:

I loved this idea and wanted to do something similar here. I ran the idea by Erika Carney, Skookum’s CMO and good friend of mine, and she was instantly sold. We coordinated the date with Novant Health’s Hemby Children’s Hospital and were off to the races.

We went room to room with a Samsung Gear VR headset and a phone and asked the kids which experience they’d like: ride a roller coaster, see dinosaurs, or take a rocket into space. The dinosaurs were of course a big hit, one even asked if they were real! Most were brave enough to attempt the roller coaster and handled it amazingly considering it was their first time on one.

Huge thanks to Skookum for tagging along, and for Hemby Children’s Hospital for having us. It was awesome to see these shy, bedridden kids really come out of their shell and immediately start laughing and smiling. This is why we do it, folks.

I’d love to organize a few more events. If you are involved with a group or organization that would be interested please shoot me an email. Let’s make it happen.