Signals AZ

Brave The Games Gaming Festival To Benefit Yavapai College Emergency Food Pantry



The Yavapai College I AM YC Club has a compelling reason for everyone to spend a Saturday playing their favorite games; the club’s hard-fought battle against dream killers. By battle we mean prevention and by dream killers we mean the financial emergencies and empty cupboards that sometimes convince students to give up their career dreams to focus on paying bills and feeding themselves and their families.

The I AM YC Club aims to gain ground on both fronts hosting its first “Brave the Games” gaming festival, from 1 to 8 p.m., Saturday, May 4, in Walraven Gym on the Prescott campus, 1100 E. Sheldon St. Event proceeds will help expand the club’s emergency food services at the YC Verde Valley campus in Clarkdale and restock the ever-dwindling shelves of the Prescott campus pantry.

Since its inception in 2017, the YC Food Pantry has helped dozens of struggling students and their families get back onthe college track with emergency food and with cash to help with everything from car repairs to childcare.

“I know what it’s like to be a struggling college student,” said 26-year-old nursing student Steven Fiorentino. The self- described “late bloomer” and I AM YC Club vice president said food and financial insecurity is a real campus problem that he and fellow students, college faculty and staff are bent on resolving. “If we can help get students through college and keep them in the area, that benefits the community.”

I Am YC Club President, Madeleine Cherry said the gaming festival also aims to raise awareness about the food pantry among donors and users. The pantry is working to improve the nutritional value and freshness of the food it provides students in need, she said. “We’re here to build a stronger college community, a healthier community”.  All are welcome to “Brave the Games.” YC students are admitted free with a valid ID. Admission is $3 for anyone 19 or older; $2 for ages 13 to 18; and children 12 and under can enjoy the festival free. Snacks will be available for purchase and wristbands will enable gamers to re-enter the festival at their convenience.

For more information about Brave the Games, visit www.yc.edu/campusactivities. Learn how to donate to or get help from the YC Food Pantry here: www.yc.edu/foodpantry

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