ESA levels up charities with $1M

The Entertainment Software Association is best known as the organizers of the E3 Media & Business Summit and the industry's voice in Washington. However, the industry trade body also has philanthropic ties with the ESA Foundation. In the past 10 years, the ESA Foundation has given away more than $11 million dollars to various charities.

Continuing that tradition this year, the ESA Foundation announced today that it will be doling out $1 million in donations to nine organizations. The chosen charities share a common purpose, which the ESA Foundation noted as groups that "develop unique and innovative programs that will improve the health, education, and safety of America's youth."

"We are pleased to help these organizations address such critical social issues," said ESA president and CEO Michael Gallagher. "The creativity and commitment of these recipients gives us a glimpse into the countless ways technology, including video games, can be used to improve the quality of life of our young people."

The ESA Foundation's primary fundraising event is the Night to Unite for Kids black-tie gala. As announced last week, Nintendo's iconic designer Shigeru Miyamoto will receive top honors at this year's event, which will be held at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco on October 22.

The following charities have been selected to receive a portion of the ESA Foundation's donation.

Animation Project, Inc.
HopeLab Foundation
PAX (not to be confused with Penny Arcade's Child's Play charity or annual expo)
ThanksUSA
WGBH (Boston Public Television)
Web Wise Kids
Federation of American Scientists
One Economy Corporation
National Institute on Media and the Family