Blizzard's Mike Morhaime to receive ESA's philanthropic award

Blizzard Entertainment boss Mike Morhaime has been named the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) Foundation's 2011 Champion Honoree. The award recognizes Morhaime and Blizzard's ongoing fundraising efforts for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, a non-profit group dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for sick children. That's good for at least few thousand Karma points, right?

“Mike’s generous and consistent support of the Make-A-Wish Foundation sets a strong example for all of us,” said Michael D. Gallagher, president and CEO of the ESA. “Through company-sponsored initiatives, Mike and Blizzard Entertainment raised nearly two million dollars over the past two years alone to grant the wishes of children with life-threatening medical conditions and to enrich the human experience with hope, strength and joy. Mike’s enthusiasm for improving the lives of young children is a testament to his character.”

The award will be presented to Morhaime during ESA's annual “Nite to Unite – For Kids” charity gala on October 25th in San Francisco. Co-chairing the event is Ubisoft president Laurent Detoc, Konami president Shinji Hirano, and Square Enix head Mike Fischer. Tickets for the tuexedo event are still available for $750 bucks a pop.

The ESA Foundation was created in 2000 to raise funds in support of youth programs and charities in the US. Its game pack sales and events have raised over $12 million dollars and counting.

Sep 29, 2011