ESA Plans Charity Programs For E3

Charity events for troops, the homeless and the American Red Cross will be part of E3's large format relaunch this June in Los Angeles, the Entertainment Software Association said today. On hand will be the nonprofit military support group "Pro vs. GI Joe," an organization that pits professional athletes against military personnel in friendly video game competitions as a morale booster. There will be several stations in Pro vs. GI Joe's military tent at E3, where expo attendees can challenge troops to video game matches via the Web. On a one per day basis, Pros vs. GI Joe will also host video game competitions between a pro or celebrity and local military personnel during E3, which takes place June 2-4. Another event taking place during E3 is the E3 Expo 2009 T-shirt Contest. Any gamer is able to create and submit a T-shirt design that exemplifies "what E3 Expo 2009 is all about." The winning design will be the official shirt of E3, and will be unveiled on the opening day of the expo. The shirt will be available for purchase at E3, with an undisclosed portion of the proceeds going to L.A.'s The Midnight Mission, which focuses on helping the homeless become self-sufficient. The winning T-shirt designer will receive 25 branded shirts and will be interviewed for print and online E3 publications. More information about the T-shirt contest can be found at the official site. Lastly, E3 will host an on-site blood drive for the American Red Cross on June 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Those interested will have to set up appointments at www.givelife.org, and enter "E3" as the sponsor code.