Global esports team, the Pittsburgh Knights, and charity fundraising platform, Softgiving, have announced a partnership to create live-streamed charity events together.
The first event, the Wiz and Friends Charity Livestream, will take place on Saturday, July 11, 2020, and will be hosted by multi-platinum recording artist Wiz Khalifa in his first-ever gaming live stream.
Wiz is a strategic partner for the Knights, and will be the featured personality at the center of these new philanthropic initiatives by the team. Additional charity stream events for 2020 will be announced.
In addition to Wiz, Twitch streamer Austin (formerly “RajjPatel”) will be featured at the event. Additional talent will be announced.
The July 11 event will benefit Rise Above the Disorder (RAD), which provides a universal mental healthcare system accessible to youth all over the world. Since 2017, RAD has covered the cost of mental health care for more than 35,000 people across 132 countries. All funds raised will support people of color in need of mental health care.
People of color in the U.S. experience a significant degree of marginalization and discrimination, which is a top risk factor for poor mental outcomes. As in health care, mental health care disparities associated with access and lack of insurance are substantial.
“In light of this extraordinary time when the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests have swept across the U.S. (and the world), we believe it is an especially important time to support those who are suffering and in need of mental health care,” said Knights president James O’Connor. “This charity live stream is a direct way to help those who do not have easy access to the care they need and deserve.”
The live-streamed event will feature guests including music artists, professional athletes and gaming influencers, as well as members of Khalifa’s artist collective, Taylor Gang. For a chance to play with Wiz during the livestream, fans can donate now at wizandfriends.com. Two winners will be chosen.
