Why We Hoopla
Personal Statements from staff and attendees
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Use our Contact Form to let us know, and we'll post your story below and send it out in the newsletter.
Why I Hoopla - by Scott Halvorson, Gaming Hoopla Staff, 9/26/15
Why do I Hoopla? In my personal life, I do not get to play games as often as I want to (once or twice a month just doesn’t cut it for me). At the Hooplas, I’ve had the opportunity to run and play in as many as a dozen different games each time, which helps to make up for the lack of gaming I do throughout the rest of the year. And the fact that the money raised at these events goes to help fight cancer is a huge bonus.
I lost an uncle and a family pet to cancer - yes, cancer is not just a human disease - and my father is also a cancer survivor, so this is a cause that has affected my family, just as it has affected just about every family everywhere.
Finally, I have met many new friends at the Hooplas, and I enjoy the opportunity to get together with them and play some games together. All these reasons together are why I Hoopla.
Why do I Hoopla? In my personal life, I do not get to play games as often as I want to (once or twice a month just doesn’t cut it for me). At the Hooplas, I’ve had the opportunity to run and play in as many as a dozen different games each time, which helps to make up for the lack of gaming I do throughout the rest of the year. And the fact that the money raised at these events goes to help fight cancer is a huge bonus.
I lost an uncle and a family pet to cancer - yes, cancer is not just a human disease - and my father is also a cancer survivor, so this is a cause that has affected my family, just as it has affected just about every family everywhere.
Finally, I have met many new friends at the Hooplas, and I enjoy the opportunity to get together with them and play some games together. All these reasons together are why I Hoopla.
Why I Hoopla - by Tanya Knutson, Former Gaming Hoopla Staff, 4/11/15
"Why do I Hoopla? The simple answer is I want to see a world where no one has to hear the words "You have cancer". I Hoopla because I want to help support any cause that supports this mission. My family and I have been avid fundraisers for the American Cancer society for many years. Cancer unfortunately has hit my family many times over and nothing drives me more towards my goals than seeing a family member suffer and wishing I could do more. The Hoopla is my more.
To many people Hoopla is an amazing weekend full of gaming, friends, laughter and great food with an underlying knowledge that it is all going toward a good cause. To me, Hoopla is knowing that I am giving support to the woman who has lost all her hair due to chemo, to the dad of the three boys who just lost his leg, or to the child who spends his/her days in a hospital room instead of classroom. I Hoopla for them and for some day finding an end to this terrible disease called cancer.
Every one who attends Hoopla is helping to support this mission, this goal of mine. I am so thankful for what Hoopla has been able to do for this cause and I would encourage everyone to come and "Hoopla" the weekend away because we are "gaming for a good cause".
"Why do I Hoopla? The simple answer is I want to see a world where no one has to hear the words "You have cancer". I Hoopla because I want to help support any cause that supports this mission. My family and I have been avid fundraisers for the American Cancer society for many years. Cancer unfortunately has hit my family many times over and nothing drives me more towards my goals than seeing a family member suffer and wishing I could do more. The Hoopla is my more.
To many people Hoopla is an amazing weekend full of gaming, friends, laughter and great food with an underlying knowledge that it is all going toward a good cause. To me, Hoopla is knowing that I am giving support to the woman who has lost all her hair due to chemo, to the dad of the three boys who just lost his leg, or to the child who spends his/her days in a hospital room instead of classroom. I Hoopla for them and for some day finding an end to this terrible disease called cancer.
Every one who attends Hoopla is helping to support this mission, this goal of mine. I am so thankful for what Hoopla has been able to do for this cause and I would encourage everyone to come and "Hoopla" the weekend away because we are "gaming for a good cause".
Why I Hoopla - By Andrea Pawlik (Mutsch), Gaming Hoopla Staff, 3/22/15
I got involved with Hoopla about 6 years ago. For me, this was an opportunity to meet new people after moving to Delavan. A friend (and staff member) at volleyball told me about Hoopla and I thought it sounded fun. I went to my first Hoopla late on a Saturday just to play Werewolf. Even as a newcomer they didn’t hesitate to lynch me the first night (seriously guys, wth?!?) but I got right back in, rocked the werehamster, and had enough fun I went back the next day.
I went there knowing one person, who was busy being staff there, but everyone was so nice and inviting, and I never felt like I didn’t belong despite not being a gamer at all. The next Hoopla I attended the whole event, and decided I wanted to be more involved.
For me, it was the people and the environment that got me involved, the American Cancer Society fundraiser part was just a bonus. While I knew acquaintances or friends of friends or distant relatives that had cancer, I had never had to deal with it on a very personal level. People would ask who I know that got me involved in a cancer charity, and I was always able to say I was lucky.
And then I got cancer.
Just over a year and a half ago, my doctor found a lump on my neck. Several months of inconclusive tests later I went into surgery. I never had to hear the words “You have cancer.” because I knew the moment I woke up and saw that my surgery had lasted hours longer than it should have had the in-surgery biopsy been clean. It was the first thing I saw, and when I asked the nurse if the clock was right, she answered “Yes. I’m sorry.” and I uttered the two most appropriate words I’ve ever said - “Well, fuck.”
I was still lucky though, and despite losing my entire thyroid, all the cancer was removed and the surrounding tissue was clean. So now here I am, 18 months after surgery, mentally preparing myself for my first ultrasound check up tomorrow afternoon. And I’m terrified. Despite regular blood tests assuring me that there’s a 90% chance I’m still cancer free, this will be my first definitive test, and it’s all I’ve thought about for months. And then all of next week I’ll pour over the details of the ultrasound, wondering if that was a normal number of pictures she took, or if it took longer than it should; asking myself if the tech sounded a little more stressed at the end. Going over every little thing, as if it could tell me what the doctor will say at my analysis appointment a week later.
And so this, this fear, this anxiety, is why I Hoopla. No one should have to go through this. And I know that I’m still lucky. I know that there’s people who have to endure so much more. And that’s why, despite all the time and energy it takes to make Hoopla happen, I will never stop doing Hoopla and supporting ACS.
I got involved with Hoopla about 6 years ago. For me, this was an opportunity to meet new people after moving to Delavan. A friend (and staff member) at volleyball told me about Hoopla and I thought it sounded fun. I went to my first Hoopla late on a Saturday just to play Werewolf. Even as a newcomer they didn’t hesitate to lynch me the first night (seriously guys, wth?!?) but I got right back in, rocked the werehamster, and had enough fun I went back the next day.
I went there knowing one person, who was busy being staff there, but everyone was so nice and inviting, and I never felt like I didn’t belong despite not being a gamer at all. The next Hoopla I attended the whole event, and decided I wanted to be more involved.
For me, it was the people and the environment that got me involved, the American Cancer Society fundraiser part was just a bonus. While I knew acquaintances or friends of friends or distant relatives that had cancer, I had never had to deal with it on a very personal level. People would ask who I know that got me involved in a cancer charity, and I was always able to say I was lucky.
And then I got cancer.
Just over a year and a half ago, my doctor found a lump on my neck. Several months of inconclusive tests later I went into surgery. I never had to hear the words “You have cancer.” because I knew the moment I woke up and saw that my surgery had lasted hours longer than it should have had the in-surgery biopsy been clean. It was the first thing I saw, and when I asked the nurse if the clock was right, she answered “Yes. I’m sorry.” and I uttered the two most appropriate words I’ve ever said - “Well, fuck.”
I was still lucky though, and despite losing my entire thyroid, all the cancer was removed and the surrounding tissue was clean. So now here I am, 18 months after surgery, mentally preparing myself for my first ultrasound check up tomorrow afternoon. And I’m terrified. Despite regular blood tests assuring me that there’s a 90% chance I’m still cancer free, this will be my first definitive test, and it’s all I’ve thought about for months. And then all of next week I’ll pour over the details of the ultrasound, wondering if that was a normal number of pictures she took, or if it took longer than it should; asking myself if the tech sounded a little more stressed at the end. Going over every little thing, as if it could tell me what the doctor will say at my analysis appointment a week later.
And so this, this fear, this anxiety, is why I Hoopla. No one should have to go through this. And I know that I’m still lucky. I know that there’s people who have to endure so much more. And that’s why, despite all the time and energy it takes to make Hoopla happen, I will never stop doing Hoopla and supporting ACS.
Why I Hoopla - by Bill Corey, Former Gaming Hoopla Staff, 3/10/15
The Gaming Hoopla events have been a pretty huge part of my life for last eight years or so, but recently I've been thinking about what drives me to keep doing it. As many of you may already know, each Hoopla brings a lot of fun and excitement, but it also takes a lot out of those of us that run the event. There's a million little tasks that need tending to, a lot of sleep that gets missed on the big weekend, and enough stress during the planning process to go around.
However, the rewards far outweigh the costs, and the greatest of those rewards is the fight against cancer that we continue to fight. Cancer affects each of us in some way, whether it's a family member, friend, or ourselves. It's an insidious enemy, and sometimes it can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but I hope that the money we raise via the Hooplas can bring about the end of it at some point. Ultimately it's each and every one of you reading this that are able to make this possible, and for that I can't thank you enough. It's your generosity that keeps the fight against this horrible disease going, and just because we've tried to find a fun place for it doesn't lessen the importance of what you do in the battle against cancer.
I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention how important the attendees themselves have become to me personally. I've been blessed to get to know many of you personally, and I can honestly call many of you friends now. We've created a real community at the Gaming Hoopla, and it's that sense of "coming home" that makes every Hoopla such a fun, welcoming experience for everyone. Thank you all for being the awesome people that you are, and remember that you're part of something bigger and more important than just a weekend of gaming. You're family now, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
The Gaming Hoopla events have been a pretty huge part of my life for last eight years or so, but recently I've been thinking about what drives me to keep doing it. As many of you may already know, each Hoopla brings a lot of fun and excitement, but it also takes a lot out of those of us that run the event. There's a million little tasks that need tending to, a lot of sleep that gets missed on the big weekend, and enough stress during the planning process to go around.
However, the rewards far outweigh the costs, and the greatest of those rewards is the fight against cancer that we continue to fight. Cancer affects each of us in some way, whether it's a family member, friend, or ourselves. It's an insidious enemy, and sometimes it can feel like an insurmountable obstacle, but I hope that the money we raise via the Hooplas can bring about the end of it at some point. Ultimately it's each and every one of you reading this that are able to make this possible, and for that I can't thank you enough. It's your generosity that keeps the fight against this horrible disease going, and just because we've tried to find a fun place for it doesn't lessen the importance of what you do in the battle against cancer.
I'd be remiss if I didn't also mention how important the attendees themselves have become to me personally. I've been blessed to get to know many of you personally, and I can honestly call many of you friends now. We've created a real community at the Gaming Hoopla, and it's that sense of "coming home" that makes every Hoopla such a fun, welcoming experience for everyone. Thank you all for being the awesome people that you are, and remember that you're part of something bigger and more important than just a weekend of gaming. You're family now, and we wouldn't have it any other way.
Why I Hoopla - By Jay Bartelt, Gaming Hoopla Staff, 2/27/15
I am a cancer survivor, but I’m not going to be overdramatic about it. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2005, had surgery and radiation therapy. Compared to almost every other person I know who has or has had cancer, I got off very easy. But here’s the thing about cancer—once you’ve had it, you really don’t want it again, so much so that any nosebleed, headache, pain in the knee or mark on the skin starts up that little voice in the back of your head: “Is the cancer back?”
I started attending Gaming Hoopla at the Lake Geneva location. The first game I played was Tikal with Tam and Dean Goodmanson and Chris McGowan. By Sunday, I ran outside as Tam and Dean were pulling away to go home and flagged them down for a rematch. I miss the Goodmansons between Hooplas and always try and get a game in with them. I now game with Chris almost every week. These kinds of experiences and people are why I love attending Gaming Hoopla.
I quickly started trying to figure out how I could contribute. I bought the raffle tickets, supported the vendors, but I wanted to do more. I started contributing games to the raffle. My goal was to try and find the game that everyone wanted but nobody had. For one Hoopla I ordered Antiquity from Germany; for another I got a copy of Eclipse after it was sold out everywhere. It was a great way to contribute and I love seeing others contribute new games to the raffle as well.
I became a VIG the first time it was offered. Being a Very Important Gamer has more perks than people realize. You get the weekend badge, the t-shirt, an awesome parking place, some Hoopla bucks, a Hoopla staffer to help you bring in your games, first pick of the events so you can get into the games you want to play, and lots more. Being a VIG is my way of saying that I’m all-in with what Hoopla stands for. I hope more people consider becoming a VIG.
I am now the Vice President of Gaming Hoopla and a director for the 501(c)(3) Hoopla Foundation charitable organization. The Gaming Hoopla requires a great deal of work to pull off from many different people. From stocking and running the kitchen to getting prizes and even making up the badges we all wear around the event, all of this is done by people spending their free time in an effort to create an excellent gaming experience and generate maximum donations. In short, this team is awesome. I am proud to be a part of it.
The Gaming Hoopla to me is the perfect storm of what I love and hate. I love the gaming and all that it brings—the competition, the fun and, most of all, the friendships. I hate cancer and want it eradicated with extreme prejudice. To be able to enjoy my friends and gaming while kicking cancer in the teeth?
I’m in, now and forever. I want that little voice in the back of my head silenced. I want it for me. I want it for everyone.
I am a cancer survivor, but I’m not going to be overdramatic about it. I was diagnosed with testicular cancer in 2005, had surgery and radiation therapy. Compared to almost every other person I know who has or has had cancer, I got off very easy. But here’s the thing about cancer—once you’ve had it, you really don’t want it again, so much so that any nosebleed, headache, pain in the knee or mark on the skin starts up that little voice in the back of your head: “Is the cancer back?”
I started attending Gaming Hoopla at the Lake Geneva location. The first game I played was Tikal with Tam and Dean Goodmanson and Chris McGowan. By Sunday, I ran outside as Tam and Dean were pulling away to go home and flagged them down for a rematch. I miss the Goodmansons between Hooplas and always try and get a game in with them. I now game with Chris almost every week. These kinds of experiences and people are why I love attending Gaming Hoopla.
I quickly started trying to figure out how I could contribute. I bought the raffle tickets, supported the vendors, but I wanted to do more. I started contributing games to the raffle. My goal was to try and find the game that everyone wanted but nobody had. For one Hoopla I ordered Antiquity from Germany; for another I got a copy of Eclipse after it was sold out everywhere. It was a great way to contribute and I love seeing others contribute new games to the raffle as well.
I became a VIG the first time it was offered. Being a Very Important Gamer has more perks than people realize. You get the weekend badge, the t-shirt, an awesome parking place, some Hoopla bucks, a Hoopla staffer to help you bring in your games, first pick of the events so you can get into the games you want to play, and lots more. Being a VIG is my way of saying that I’m all-in with what Hoopla stands for. I hope more people consider becoming a VIG.
I am now the Vice President of Gaming Hoopla and a director for the 501(c)(3) Hoopla Foundation charitable organization. The Gaming Hoopla requires a great deal of work to pull off from many different people. From stocking and running the kitchen to getting prizes and even making up the badges we all wear around the event, all of this is done by people spending their free time in an effort to create an excellent gaming experience and generate maximum donations. In short, this team is awesome. I am proud to be a part of it.
The Gaming Hoopla to me is the perfect storm of what I love and hate. I love the gaming and all that it brings—the competition, the fun and, most of all, the friendships. I hate cancer and want it eradicated with extreme prejudice. To be able to enjoy my friends and gaming while kicking cancer in the teeth?
I’m in, now and forever. I want that little voice in the back of my head silenced. I want it for me. I want it for everyone.
Why I Hoopla - by Nancy Hutchins, Gaming Hoopla Attendee, 12/14/15
Gaming Hoopla and Me!
I learned first of Gaming Hoopla as a local gaming convention back in the early days when it was held at the Lake Como Clubhouse. It was upon attending that first time, I learned that not only was Hoopla a gaming convention but it was also a fund raiser for a very worthy cause - to help fight cancer. That big "C" word, no one wants to hear.
Cancer I understood. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months before my wedding, and was still receiving radiation treatments at the time of the wedding. I took her for a treatment the morning of the wedding rehearsal. She remained a cancer survivor all the way up to her death 2 years ago.
Since those early days, I learned to share games by running them. So I seem to sign up to run to run too many game events, and don't usually leave enough time for me to just participate in games. And for the last couple of years or so, I started dressing up in the theme of the game that I am running. In fact, it is expected of me to dress up at Hoopla. The anticipation of what costume I will come up with keeps some folks on their toes. That is my way of giving to Hoopla. I have been able to donate games from Steve Jackson Games and from those I bought and realize I will never play them. I bring home something even better from Hoopla, not in a physical way but in a emotional, almost spiritual way.
Gaming Hoopla over the years has become a "home" for me. And when we get together those 1 or 2 times a year, it's like a big family reunion. We hug, we stay up late, we chat and catch up on each other's lives, we play games, we teach games, we win games, we lose games (I usually lose), we laugh a lot, we talk game design, we talk about new games and ones we want to try, and we eat "gamer" sized deserts (even we are not suppose too.) New people come and join our ever growing "family." We hear that some of our "family" has fought cancer or is fighting cancer. And we take time out to honor those people with a ceremony, with candles, thoughts and prayers - the ones who lost, the ones who fought and the ones who are still fighting. And then, sometimes we unfortunately lose someone . . . and that's when we cry.
Hoopla for me is about family and friends; and gaming and laughter; and helping to fight that big bad "C" word so that no one will have to ever hear it again. So take if from Stitch of the movie "Lilo and Stitch" - 'Ohana means family' and so does Hoopla.
Gaming Hoopla and Me!
I learned first of Gaming Hoopla as a local gaming convention back in the early days when it was held at the Lake Como Clubhouse. It was upon attending that first time, I learned that not only was Hoopla a gaming convention but it was also a fund raiser for a very worthy cause - to help fight cancer. That big "C" word, no one wants to hear.
Cancer I understood. My mother was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 months before my wedding, and was still receiving radiation treatments at the time of the wedding. I took her for a treatment the morning of the wedding rehearsal. She remained a cancer survivor all the way up to her death 2 years ago.
Since those early days, I learned to share games by running them. So I seem to sign up to run to run too many game events, and don't usually leave enough time for me to just participate in games. And for the last couple of years or so, I started dressing up in the theme of the game that I am running. In fact, it is expected of me to dress up at Hoopla. The anticipation of what costume I will come up with keeps some folks on their toes. That is my way of giving to Hoopla. I have been able to donate games from Steve Jackson Games and from those I bought and realize I will never play them. I bring home something even better from Hoopla, not in a physical way but in a emotional, almost spiritual way.
Gaming Hoopla over the years has become a "home" for me. And when we get together those 1 or 2 times a year, it's like a big family reunion. We hug, we stay up late, we chat and catch up on each other's lives, we play games, we teach games, we win games, we lose games (I usually lose), we laugh a lot, we talk game design, we talk about new games and ones we want to try, and we eat "gamer" sized deserts (even we are not suppose too.) New people come and join our ever growing "family." We hear that some of our "family" has fought cancer or is fighting cancer. And we take time out to honor those people with a ceremony, with candles, thoughts and prayers - the ones who lost, the ones who fought and the ones who are still fighting. And then, sometimes we unfortunately lose someone . . . and that's when we cry.
Hoopla for me is about family and friends; and gaming and laughter; and helping to fight that big bad "C" word so that no one will have to ever hear it again. So take if from Stitch of the movie "Lilo and Stitch" - 'Ohana means family' and so does Hoopla.
Why I Hoopla - By Brian Bartlett, Former Gaming Hoopla Staff, 2/13/16
Several years ago when my wife and I started dating, I vaguely remember her telling me of a gaming event that she was involved with. At the time I didn’t think anything of it other than, “Oh, like Monopoly…awesome, I like Monopoly.” However, as the months flew buy and dating turned to engagement the significance of her initial statement changed for me.
A few months before my first Hoopla, my Mom was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The doctors weren’t very optimistic, and they said that her odds of going into remission were slim to none. Needless to say I went from being a semi-motivated volunteer trying to appease my fiancé to the son of a woman fighting cancer who was more than willing to do anything he could to support the fight.
Now, as a career mechanic who eats, breathes, and thrives on all things motor oil and gears, the Hoopla was a bit intimidating at first. I had never really played board games before (with exception to the above mentioned Monopoly), but I soon discovered that my intimidation was unnecessary, as I found several very patient game teachers. Some games I like and some I really don’t like, but for me that’s all part of the experience.
Now several years have gone by, and I am happy to say that my Mom beat the odds her doctors originally gave her. Chemo worked wonders, and her tumors withered enough to surgically remove them. She has been in remission now for just over a year. The Hoopla has given me a chance to meet new people, try new things, and most importantly it has enabled me to feel like I am doing something proactive to help fight cancer instead of feeling like I am just looking on like a powerless spectator.
And that, is why I Hoopla.
Several years ago when my wife and I started dating, I vaguely remember her telling me of a gaming event that she was involved with. At the time I didn’t think anything of it other than, “Oh, like Monopoly…awesome, I like Monopoly.” However, as the months flew buy and dating turned to engagement the significance of her initial statement changed for me.
A few months before my first Hoopla, my Mom was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. The doctors weren’t very optimistic, and they said that her odds of going into remission were slim to none. Needless to say I went from being a semi-motivated volunteer trying to appease my fiancé to the son of a woman fighting cancer who was more than willing to do anything he could to support the fight.
Now, as a career mechanic who eats, breathes, and thrives on all things motor oil and gears, the Hoopla was a bit intimidating at first. I had never really played board games before (with exception to the above mentioned Monopoly), but I soon discovered that my intimidation was unnecessary, as I found several very patient game teachers. Some games I like and some I really don’t like, but for me that’s all part of the experience.
Now several years have gone by, and I am happy to say that my Mom beat the odds her doctors originally gave her. Chemo worked wonders, and her tumors withered enough to surgically remove them. She has been in remission now for just over a year. The Hoopla has given me a chance to meet new people, try new things, and most importantly it has enabled me to feel like I am doing something proactive to help fight cancer instead of feeling like I am just looking on like a powerless spectator.
And that, is why I Hoopla.
Why I Hoopla - by Amber Halvorson, Gaming Hoopla Staff, 3/15/16
When I first heard of the “Hoopla,” I was a bit thrown off. I thought, “I am not a gamer, why would I want to go to this?” Then I found out that it raises money to fight cancer. I figured that even if I didn’t enjoy it at least it would not be a waste of money since it went to a good cause. Boy was I surprised! I had a GREAT time! I met some AMAZING people! I also found out that you don’t have to be a die-hard gamer to have a good time. There are plenty of people willing to teach and even more people willing to learn new games all the time!
As time went by and I got to know more people it dawned on me that everyone I know has been touched by cancer in one form or another. This fact made me want to get involved and help with this fight to end cancer. I joined the Gaming Hoopla staff and watched it grow. I met even more AMAZING people that had been affected by cancer. I met people who had cancer and beat it; people that were currently fighting it (quite bravely) and people that had lost friends and loved ones to this horrible disease. I also found that a small group of people can make a significant impact. This group of people have become some of my closest friends and make me truly proud to be a part of this.
When the Gaming Hoopla staff made the decision to get involved with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation I felt even more connected to the mission of fighting this cruel disease. The mission, the goal, is to end the disease forever. So as Vince Lombardi once said “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the goal.” The Gaming Hoopla has never taken its eyes off of the goal…ending cancer FOREVER!
When I first heard of the “Hoopla,” I was a bit thrown off. I thought, “I am not a gamer, why would I want to go to this?” Then I found out that it raises money to fight cancer. I figured that even if I didn’t enjoy it at least it would not be a waste of money since it went to a good cause. Boy was I surprised! I had a GREAT time! I met some AMAZING people! I also found out that you don’t have to be a die-hard gamer to have a good time. There are plenty of people willing to teach and even more people willing to learn new games all the time!
As time went by and I got to know more people it dawned on me that everyone I know has been touched by cancer in one form or another. This fact made me want to get involved and help with this fight to end cancer. I joined the Gaming Hoopla staff and watched it grow. I met even more AMAZING people that had been affected by cancer. I met people who had cancer and beat it; people that were currently fighting it (quite bravely) and people that had lost friends and loved ones to this horrible disease. I also found that a small group of people can make a significant impact. This group of people have become some of my closest friends and make me truly proud to be a part of this.
When the Gaming Hoopla staff made the decision to get involved with the Vince Lombardi Cancer Foundation I felt even more connected to the mission of fighting this cruel disease. The mission, the goal, is to end the disease forever. So as Vince Lombardi once said “Obstacles are what you see when you take your eyes off of the goal.” The Gaming Hoopla has never taken its eyes off of the goal…ending cancer FOREVER!
Why I Hoopla - by Beth Heile, Gaming Hoopla Staff, 01/10/24
Board gaming is both my passion and my profession. Working in the board game industry exposes me to a wide array of conventions around the world. I can confidently say that the kindness, generosity, and overall friendliness at the Hoopla beats them all HANDS DOWN. For a medium-sized convention, the Hoopla is one of the smoothest and well-run conventions I have ever attended, which is really saying something since the entire staff (which I am now a member) is 100% unpaid volunteers. Again, I think the passion and the underlying charity of this event inspires all aspects of its people and games. So after attending as a gamer for six years (and never winning anything at the raffle!!!), I decided to take the next step and move into the Hoopla staff.
On a personal level, my intersection with board games and cancer is also a motivating factor for me. My dad was diagnoses with prostate cancer in 2013, and he died peacefully at home with all of us there in 2020. Throughout the 2000's, my growing passion for board game was entirely mystifying for dad, and he mostly viewed this strange, new hobby with detached amusement. But once the clock starting noticeably ticking from 2013 onwards, he decided to make an extraordinary effort to connect with me and learn what this "game thing" was all about. Did he offer to sit a play a game? No! Did he make an account on BoardGameGeek? NO! Instead he surprised me by showing up....in person....in GERMANY....while I was filming live interviews at SPIEL in 2015. The footage of me looking shocked, abruptly running off camera, and yelling, "What are you doing here??!??" is floating around YouTube somewhere.
From that day forward, while he never once sat at a game table, he involved himself in love of games in his own way: that amazing visit in Germany, helping to design and build a game room in our house, priceless advice on running conventions, and so on. And when he died, my family members all donated to his favorite causes....including the Hoopla. For you Dad - I miss you
Board gaming is both my passion and my profession. Working in the board game industry exposes me to a wide array of conventions around the world. I can confidently say that the kindness, generosity, and overall friendliness at the Hoopla beats them all HANDS DOWN. For a medium-sized convention, the Hoopla is one of the smoothest and well-run conventions I have ever attended, which is really saying something since the entire staff (which I am now a member) is 100% unpaid volunteers. Again, I think the passion and the underlying charity of this event inspires all aspects of its people and games. So after attending as a gamer for six years (and never winning anything at the raffle!!!), I decided to take the next step and move into the Hoopla staff.
On a personal level, my intersection with board games and cancer is also a motivating factor for me. My dad was diagnoses with prostate cancer in 2013, and he died peacefully at home with all of us there in 2020. Throughout the 2000's, my growing passion for board game was entirely mystifying for dad, and he mostly viewed this strange, new hobby with detached amusement. But once the clock starting noticeably ticking from 2013 onwards, he decided to make an extraordinary effort to connect with me and learn what this "game thing" was all about. Did he offer to sit a play a game? No! Did he make an account on BoardGameGeek? NO! Instead he surprised me by showing up....in person....in GERMANY....while I was filming live interviews at SPIEL in 2015. The footage of me looking shocked, abruptly running off camera, and yelling, "What are you doing here??!??" is floating around YouTube somewhere.
From that day forward, while he never once sat at a game table, he involved himself in love of games in his own way: that amazing visit in Germany, helping to design and build a game room in our house, priceless advice on running conventions, and so on. And when he died, my family members all donated to his favorite causes....including the Hoopla. For you Dad - I miss you