Marist College will sponsor a twelve-hour computer gaming marathon to benefit the charity Child's Play on Saturday, April 19, in the James J. McCann Recreation Center on the Marist campus.

"Gaming for Hope" is the largest console and computer gaming event in the Hudson River Valley. The idea for the marathon stemmed from an game competition conducted annually by two Marist student organizations, the Computer Society and the Anime Society. This is the fifth year of the annual event, which has grown consecutively larger since 2004.

Along with students, the general public is invited to participate in Gaming for Hope. Doors open at 1 p.m. and play will continue until 1 a.m. The event is open to all ages; those 15 years and younger must be accompanied by a parent. A valid ID is required.

While admission to Gaming for Hope is free, donations to Child's Play are accepted. Child's Play is a charity that purchases toys and games for residents of children's hospitals around the world.

Participants may bring their own computer equipment and are networked to other players through switches provided by Cisco Systems. Console game systems are donated by members of the Anime Society and Computer Society and are available for free play.

Among the console games and tournaments to be played will be Halo 3, Dead or Alive 4, Mario Kart: Double Dash, Naruto 3, Super Smash Bros., Capcon vs. SNK 2, Soul Calibur 3, Guitar Hero 3, DDR. Table top games will include Magic: The Gathering, Chess, and more.

Some of the sponsors and prize providers include the Dragon's Den, ThinkGeek.com, Gertrude Hawke Chocolates, Alienware, and Target. Prizes will be awarded for the winners of the major game tournaments held throughout the day. Prizes include a PS3, iPod touch, and LCD monitor.

For more information, visit the event's Web site at www.gamingforhope.com. All tournament and equipment registration will take place at the event.