Jack Liberta, a fourth grader at Head O’Meadow, is part of the School Community Team program. This team works all year on a community-based project that will benefit Newtown in some way, like raking leaves, but Liberta became a little bit more creative with his project.

Liberta was inspired by his biggest hobby: gaming. Liberta said, “Gaming is one of my favorite hobbies and I do it every day.” Through gaming in town, Liberta became connected with Mark Kilpatrick, the owner of Affinity Esports. When Liberta hatched his idea to do an event that involved gaming, he reached out to Kilpatrick, who agreed almost immediately.

Liberta has decided to raise funds for Tommy’s Place, a foundation that owns and operates two ten-plus bedroom, year-round magical vacation homes for kids who are fighting cancer. The homes are located in Falmouth and Centerville in Cape Cod. Tommy’s Place offers families a one-week trip, all expenses paid for. Liberta knew this is what he wanted to raise funds for because his friend, Kaia, visited Tommy’s Place, so it is a very important cause to him.

Kilpatrick called Liberta’s project a “moon-shot” event. This “reach for the stars” energy came from Liberta’s marketing plan he created himself one night. He designed jerseys to sell at the event, worked with local businesses to donate raffles, and, of course, collaborated with Affinity Esports to create a page on the Affinity Esports website and more.

Liberta said he did not want to do “normal stuff,” like the other kids are doing. He created this fundraiser based off what he likes to do, and Affinity Esports was “the only place [he] could think of.” Gaming For Change is an event “where kids or adults could come and play video games,” Liberta said, for a great cause.

Gaming For Change will be on Saturday, May 16, 6-9 pm at Affinity Esports’ Sandy Hook location, 27 Glen Road. The attendance fee is $50, and preregistration online is requested. To register for the event, purchase a jersey, or simply donate to Tommy’s Place, go to affinityesports.gg/gamingforchange.

Those who wish to donate to Tommy’s Place can do so right on Affinity Esports’ website by selecting the “Custom Amount” button and typing in how much they wish to donate. If someone wants to purchase a jersey to wear it to the event, Kilpatrick suggests ordering one as soon as possible as they will be created “on demand.” A portion of jersey sales will also go to Tommy’s Place.

This event is not just for children. Liberta invites kids and adults who enjoy gaming to come. Liberta has collaborated with several businesses in town to offer raffle prizes to those who may not be interested in gaming. Some raffle prizes include a free birthday party at Affinity Esports, a fairy pergola experience at Aquila’s Nest Vineyards, Yale Athletics has donated football tickets, PGA has donated tour tickets, and Bagel Delight has donated free bagels for a year. Light refreshments will also be provided during the event.

Liberta wants to raise $3,000 for Tommy’s Place. When asked how much he really wants to raise, without any limitations, the number jumped to $30,000. Liberta hopes the community can come out, support a great cause, and most of all, have a “fun” and “memorable” night.

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Reporter Sam Cross can be reached at sam@thebee.com.