A new partnership has been established between the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Valnet to enhance the experiences of hospitalized children. Announced on September 15, 2025, this collaboration aims to raise $50,000 through a fundraising initiative called Gaming 4 Good, which includes a matching gift of $25,000 from Valnet.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation, recognized as one of the leading nonprofits dedicated to supporting sick children, is excited about this partnership. “On behalf of Starlight Children’s Foundation, I’m honored and thrilled that Valnet has joined our community to help advance our mission of delivering happiness to seriously ill kids and their families,” stated Adam Garone, CEO of the foundation. He emphasized that the collaboration aligns perfectly with Starlight’s gaming program, which aims to improve hospital experiences through the power of play.
Valnet, a global digital media investment company, reaches over 200 million readers monthly through its extensive portfolio of more than 27 brands across various sectors, including gaming and entertainment. “As a father, I know how hard it is to watch a child go through difficult moments,” said Hassan Youssef, CEO of Valnet. He highlighted the importance of bringing joy to families enduring long hospital stays and expressed pride in the launch of Gaming 4 Good.
The funds raised through this initiative will be directed towards integrating gaming into pediatric medical care, supporting programs like the Starlight Gaming Station and handheld devices powered by the Nintendo Switch™. These resources adhere to strict infection safety protocols and can be easily transported within hospitals, creating a comforting distraction for young patients.
Hospitalization can often be a traumatic experience for children, leading to feelings of isolation and anxiety. The Starlight Children’s Foundation has been working since its founding in 1982 to alleviate these challenges by providing free, donor-funded programs to over 800 children’s hospitals across the United States. By incorporating gaming into medical environments, the foundation strives to foster connection and trust between patients and healthcare teams, which can lead to improved treatment compliance and better health outcomes.
Garone believes that the partnership with Valnet will further strengthen efforts to unite gaming and fandom communities, celebrating their shared values and potential impact. For those interested in supporting this vital cause, more information about the partnership and the Gaming 4 Good initiative can be found at https://www.valnetinc.com/en/gaming4good.
Through this collaboration, both organizations aim to transform the hospital experience for pediatric patients, reinforcing the belief that healing begins with happiness.