CSULB Esports Association students gather together during “The Glimmer of Hope Gala” charity event on Nov. 21, held at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid. Charlotte LoCicero | Long Beach Current

 

While the upper part of the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid was buzzing with shouts and cheers courtesy of a Long Beach State basketball game, inside The Pointe, the CSULB Esports Association hosted a charity event to support the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House on Friday, Nov. 21. 

For the esports team, established in 2013, it’s not only about the games, but also about the community they help build and create together. 

“Gaming should be inclusive to everyone and we felt that children in hospitals should have access to these games, so we’re trying to help with that,” said Corinna Nguyen, fifth-year math education major and president of the Esports Association. 

Nguyen wants to demonstrate that esports is more than just playing games, and that the group is built on the need to help others. 

“We actually come out, show out and help the community,” Nguyen said. 

Located near the Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital, the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House was established in 2011 to help families with sick or injured children stay together by offering transportation and housing at no cost. 

Julie Sampras, director of development at the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, discusses their foundation’s goal of helping families in need on Nov. 21. Charlotte LoCicero | Long Beach Current

For Julie Sampras, the director of development for the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, partnerships with student organizations are important.

“I think for me, this partnership represents a younger generation in an area that is maybe not as aware of our mission and the work that we do,” Sampras said. 

About 70% of families who access healthcare at Miller Children’s and Women’s Hospital are referred by social workers. While supported by McDonald’s, the food chain funds only 10% to 15% of its operating costs, according to Sampras. 

“We are completely reliant on our community,” Sampras said. “A very small percentage of funding comes from McDonald’s, so we are reliant on community organizations.” 

Sampras shared how a family’s 9-year-old daughter became an “ambassador” for the house and promised to return and bake cookies for other families. She also highlighted that giving back doesn’t just mean monetary donations but also time, resources and talents.

“We like to say that the best entry level at Ronald McDonald’s house is to bake cookies and get to know our mission,” Sampras said.

After a steak dinner, Vice President of the Esports Association Kevin Luu delivered an emotional speech, touching on finding family among his teammates and the importance of self-love. 

CSULB Esports Association Vice President Kevin Luu was one of the two guest speakers for “The Glimmer of Hope Gala” located inside of The Pointe at the LBS Financial Credit Union Pyramid, on Nov. 21. Charlotte LoCicero | Long Beach Current

A round of icebreaker bingo pushed and encouraged attendees to meet others through prompts like, “always forgets to mute/unmute” or “likes sweet and sour sauce with their McNuggets.”

Nicolas Chiem, second-year child development major and general manager for the Esports Association, hosted the gala for the first time on Friday.

Filled with energy and gratitude, Chiem was proud the team was able to host friends, families and organizations. 

“Usually, esports isn’t very big at school and I’m glad that this event has brought people together,” Chiem said. 

Several guests at the event won prizes selected at random, including Julie Sampras, director of development at the Long Beach Ronald McDonald House, on Nov. 21. Charlotte LoCicero | Long Beach Current

Toward the end of the night, event organizers announced the silent auction winners. Items up for the highest bid included a deluxe gourmet basket, one silver annual pass to Universal Studios, two tickets to the Aquarium of the Pacific and a handmade 3D star sculpture.

Invited to the event by her son, Adelina Wilson was happy to win the star sculpture by student artist Jasmine Tabobo.

Wilson said her son had volunteered for the Ronald McDonald House, so it was nice to see others support the cause.

Anticipation grew as the night ended with raffle winners. Attendees waited for a chance to win a LEGO plant set, a Kuromi PC gaming soundbar, Razer gaming mice or Gen G merch. 

Adelina Wilson, whose child is part of the Esports Association, took home a featured statuette from “The Glimmer of Hope Gala” on Nov. 21. Charlotte LoCicero | Long Beach Current

Fourth-year molecular physics major Jacob Bazo believes that beyond playing games, esports can have a positive impact. 

“The way this can change for the better is just by helping people; it doesn’t take much effort to talk to someone,” Bazo said. “Games bring people together.”