PITTSBURGH / ATLANTA — Global esports team, the Pittsburgh Knights, and charity fundraising platform, Softgiving, have announced a partnership to create live-streamed charity events together. The first event, the Wiz and Friends Charity Livestream, will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2020, and will be hosted by multi-platinum recording artist Wiz Khalifa in his first-ever gaming live stream. Wiz is a strategic partner for the Knights, and will be the featured personality at the center of these new philanthropic initiatives by the team. Additional charity stream events for 2020 will be announced.
In addition to Wiz, Twitch streamer Austin (formerly “RajjPatel”) will be featured at the event. Additional talent will be announced.
The July 11 event will benefit Rise Above the Disorder (RAD), which provides a universal mental healthcare system accessible to youth all over the world. Since 2017, RAD has covered the cost of mental health care for more than 35,000 people across 132 countries. All funds raised will support people of color in need of mental health care.
People of color in the U.S. experience a significant degree of marginalization and discrimination, which is a top risk factor for poor mental outcomes. As in health care, mental health care disparities associated with access and lack of insurance are substantial.
“In light of this extraordinary time when the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests have swept across the U.S. (and the world), we believe it is an especially important time to support those who are suffering and in need of mental health care,” said Knights president James O’Connor. “This charity live stream is a direct way to help those who do not have easy access to the care they need and deserve.”
The live-streamed event will feature guests including music artists, professional athletes and gaming influencers, as well as members of Khalifa’s artist collective, Taylor Gang. For a chance to play with Wiz during the livestream, fans can donate now at wizandfriends.com. Two winners will be chosen.
A Forbes-profiled entrepreneur, Wiz Khalifa is recognized for his business acumen, creative excellence and charitable efforts. He has had his finger on the pulse of the video-gaming scene for several years, including the launch of his own top-rated mobile game in 2017.
Khalifa has said: “Nowadays artists are breaking music as well as premiering on different platforms like Twitch. I have always tried to be at the forefront of technology and I think this is another amazing moment in history. I am happy to be a part of it.”
O’Connor added: “We’re looking forward to using both our platform and our network to bring attention to worthy causes. We believe that esports are a wonderful way to bring people together and promote community, especially during such an unprecedented and isolating time. Softgiving is an amazing resource for us to bring everything and everyone together in order to make this all happen.”
Softgiving, an Atlanta-based fintech company, creates innovative and convenient fundraising solutions for nonprofits and is the first charity streaming platform to have a 0% platform fee. Their technology provides all of the tools and resources necessary to produce online charity events, such as custom landing pages, live support, streamer tech and prize giveaways. Softgiving will also be instrumental in matching complementary nonprofits to the Knights and their associates.
“This partnership with the Knights is truly an amazing opportunity to help bring attention to the needs of so many charities all around the country … especially at a time like this when they may need support more than ever,” said Softgiving CEO Matt Pfaltzgraf. “Gaming brings communities together, so we are pleased to be a part of the efforts the Knights are making to impact people in a positive manner by supporting Rise Above the Disorder.”
“We’re thrilled to be teaming up with the Knights, Softgiving and Wiz to put on an event that will completely change the way we talk about mental health,” said Rise Above the Disorder CEO Jason Docton. “Now, perhaps more than ever, mental health care is so greatly needed. Through this event we’ll be able to raise the critical resources needed to provide free mental health care to people around the world.”
Softgivng and the Knights have developed integration opportunities for brands to sponsor the charity streams. Brand and donation partners for the July 11 charity stream will include Schell Games, MetroStar Systems, DREAM Clothing and NFL Alumni Association.
ABOUT PITTSBURGH KNIGHTS
The Pittsburgh Knights are a global esports organization headquartered in Pittsburgh. Since launching in 2017, the Knights have focused on entertaining fans, sharing esports, and bringing people together. They solidified their spot in the City of Champions by partnering with six-time Super Bowl winners the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. Since then, Pittsburgh-native and multi-platinum recording artist Wiz Khalifa has come on board as a strategic partner. Adding to their troop is Pittsburgh Penguins’ alternate captain Evgeni Malkin – 3-time Stanley Cup winner. To cap off their powerhouse group, they brought on Mexico City-based media fund MX LATAM in 2019. Officially recognized by Pittsburgh as a premier team, they have partnered with the most talented, innovative, and prestigious sports and entertainment industry leaders – both in the city and around the world. Their team includes some of the top Rocket LeagueⓇ, Super Smash Bros. Melee™, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUND©, SMITE©, TrackmaniaⓇ, Gears 5™, and Madden NFL© players in the world. Please go to https://www.knights.gg for more information and the latest news on the Knights.
ABOUT SOFTGIVING
Headquartered in Atlanta, Softgiving makes it easy for influencers to fundraise for their favorite causes in a fast, convenient, lifestyle-based way. As the first charity streaming platform with a 0% Platform Fee, Softgiving is committed to raising more money for more nonprofits to make an even greater global impact. For more information, visit softgiving.com and follow the company on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.
ABOUT RISE ABOVE THE DISORDER
Too many people can not afford mental health care. We’re working to change that. Rise Above The Disorder, RAD, provides a universal mental healthcare system accessible to people all over the world. Since 2017, Rise Above The Disorder has covered the cost of mental health care for over 35,000 people across 132 countries. If you believe in a world where everyone has access to the hope, health, and happiness they deserve, visit YouAreRAD.org.
