ESA Raises $1 Million For Foundation At 'Nite to Unite' Gala

The Entertainment Software Association announced today that last week's Night To Unite charity gala raised $1 million, to be put towards the ESA Foundation's youth-focused grant and scholarship efforts. A sold-out crowd enjoyed a black-tie optional dinner, auction and casino entertainment at the 13th annual edition of the event, which was co-chaired by Nintendo of America President Reggie Fils-Aime, EA CEO John Riccitiello and SCEA President Jack Tretton. The $1 million take is an improvement over the $800,000 raised by last year's event and the $750,000 generated in 2008. All told the gala has generated over $11 million for the ESA Foundation's mission in the last 12 years. "The Foundation's scholarships and the remarkable work to help improve the lives of children are only made possible by the remarkable generosity of our industry's leadership and all those who donated their time and resources to make this year's Nite to Unite a success," ESA President and CEO Michael Gallagher said. "The generosity displayed at Nite to Unite will enable the ESA Foundation to continue helping America's youth through grants to charitable organizations that strengthen our communities, and scholarships that build the skills of our industry's next generation," he continued. Departing Microsoft Entertainment and Devices head Robbie Bach was named as the event's Champion Honoree for his creation of the Get Game Smart family media education campaign and his work pushing technology education as chairman of the National Board of Governors for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America. Previous honorees includes Nintendo designer Shigeru Miyamoto, Ubisoft founder and CEO Yves Guillemot and Star Wars creator George Lucas.