The ESA Foundation's annual Nite to Unite raised $750,000 for children's charities at its recent gala. The event, held by the charitable arm of industry trade group the Entertainment Software Association featured a dinner and auction, with all proceeds going to organizations that help American children. Nite to Unite for Kids has raised $11 million for children's charities since its inception in 1999, through a combination of donations from game industry companies and individuals of all kinds. The ESA says this year's event, held on October 22 at the Westin St. Francis Hotel in San Francisco, sold out. It also honored Nintendo executive Shigeru Miyamoto with the 2009 ESA Champion Award, and Gamasutra was on hand to report on the evening. This year’s Nite to Unite co-chairs were Brian Farrell, president & CEO, THQ Inc.; Graham Hopper, executive vice president/GM Disney Interactive Studios; and John Riccitiello, CEO, Electronic Arts. "The video game industry’s commitment to giving back is stronger than ever," says ESA president and CEO Michael Gallagher. "For ten years now, Nite to Unite has been the premier industry event dedicated to children’s causes and honoring its creative visionaries. I’m honored that so many distinguished individuals and organizations attended."