Gaming in the Real World

By Jim Butler


Our fantasy worlds came crashing down upon our heads this week, the reality of the events in New York City and Washington too ghastly to be chased away by the clatter of dice and the hollow roar of a dragon. All of us have watched the horrific events unfold on television, too painful to watch but held spellbound to the repeated images flashing on the screen. It’s been a hard week for a lot of us, wondering if family and friends were among the casualties. Frantic phone calls, emails, and instant messages have grounded us in reality.

But for many of us, gaming is more than just the rolling of dice. It’s a matter of getting together with good friends, laughing, socializing, and experiencing the challenges of the evening together. Like a good adventuring company, friends count on each other in times of need. We share the good times and the bad.

We’re sharing the bad times now, and it’s even more important that we stick together. We need to do what we can to help others stand against this horror.

For most of us, distance prevents us from rushing to the scene to help in whatever way we can (and honestly, few of us have the rescue, engineering, or medical skills that are truly needed there anyway). Instead, what are really needed are financial assistance, grief counseling, and other services.

The events of the last week are too extreme to stand by and do nothing. I urge you to visit http://www.helping.org/ and give to the charity of your choice, or contact your local blood bank and make an appointment to give blood. Anything any of us can do to help will make a difference.

Like a good adventuring company, we’re going to get through this together. 

Red Cross
Donate Online at http://www.redcross.org

American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund
PO Box 37243
Washington, DC 20013


The September 11th Fund (United Way)
Donate Online at http://www.uwnyc.org

Donors may specify the community (New York City, Washington, D.C., or other affected areas) where they would like their contributions to help.

United Way September 11th Fund
2 Park Avenue
New York, NY 10016
(212) 251-4035


New York City Public/Private Initiatives, Inc.
(Suggested by the New York City Government)

To aid the families of Police, Fire, EMS and other City employees involved in rescue efforts. Please make your check or money order payable to: NYCPPI

The City of New York
100 Church Street, 20th Floor
New York, New York 10007

Please include your name and address with your tax-deductible contribution to NYCPPI (New York City Public/Private Initiatives, Inc.). NYCPPI is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization.


World Trade Center Relief Fund 
(Suggested by the Federal Emergency Management Agency- FEMA)

Call: 1-800-801-8092 or mail checks to:

World Trade Center Relief Fund
PO Box 5028
Albany, NY 12205
(Checks payable to World Trade Center Relief Fund)

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