Kids at Seattle Children’s Autism Center design limited edition Magic the Gathering playing cards
Executive Director Mendy Minjarez said the project has been “amazing” for patients and families and was empowering for the children who are often marginalized.
SEATTLE — A couple of well-known Seattle brands are combining their powers to support Seattle Children’s Hospital.
Specifically the newly renovated Seattle Children’s Autism Center that will open its doors in December. Executive Director Mendy Minjarez says funding more services for kids and families isn’t magic but it is in part, due to Magic the Gathering.
“I had no idea how popular Magic cards were and the value of the limited editions is impressive,” Minjarez said.
The role playing game was released by Renton-based Wizards of the Coast in 1993 and has grown from 300 cards to more than 20,000.
A limited edition collection of Magic cards were released as part of a community partnership between Wizards of the Coast and Extra Life, an annual fundraising event featuring people from the world of gaming who come together to fundraise.
Wizards of the Coast has been working with Seattle Children’s Hospital directly for several years and gave the autism center a gift of over $770,000 last year.
Wizards of the Coast teamed up with a group of talented kids from Seattle Children’s Autism Center to put an original spin on iconic magic creatures. Minjarez said the young artists are still glowing.
She said the family and patient experience has been “amazing” and the project was empowering for the children who are often marginalized.
The kids’ art was brought to life by the team at Wizards of the Coast. The cards feature Lathiss, Dragon Queen, Birds of Paradise, Silver Legion and a secret card.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from the limited editions will go directly to Seattle Children’s Autism Center. Last year’s check was for $770,000 dollars and has helped to support program development, expansion, family support, training and more.
Minjarez said Wizards helps to make the most of their beautiful new space.
“Wizards helps to pay for specialists and training and as we open this new facility in December that money is going to make an immediate impact,” Minjarez said.
The staff will utilize the funds to pay for services that aren’t covered by traditional insurance.
“It gives us the ability to go above and well beyond traditional services” says Minjarez.
All parties involved hope this year will bring even more magic to the cause. The packs range from $39.99 to $49.99 and the limited edition is already gone as more than 17,500 units of the “secret lair” cards were pre-ordered by the deadline. Seattle Children’s new autism center will open its doors on Dec.12.