Gaming for Good: Joey Mock

Extra Life gamer Joey Mock stands in front of "Stomping Grounds", a video game store in Gainesville.

Gaming for good is more than a slogan for Joey Mock.

To him, gaming for good is one way he gives back to the community.

“It’s such a small, easy thing to do,” Mock said. “I wonder why every gamer isn’t doing it. The amount of time invested is rewarded by the impact.”

Mock is a member of Extra Life, which raises money year-round for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. For 9 years, Mock has turned button taps and joystick swivels into fundraising for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital.

“Consider all the different things that money gets used for to help kids,” said Mock, who has raised more than $8,000 for UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital. “This is important to me.”

Established in 2008, Extra Life is a fundraising program of CMN Hospitals. The Extra Life community – made up of individuals, teams, community organizations and businesses – fundraises year-round to support children’s hospitals. Since its inception, Extra Life has raised more than $100 million to “change kids’ health to change the future.”

Mock manages the Stomping Grounds Game Center in Gainesville. CMN Hospitals and Extra Life have a presence in the store. From stickers to donation opportunities at the register, Mock ensures gamers know how to get involved.

“When I talk to people about gaming and Extra Life, you’re already going to play the game,” Mock said. “All you have to do is mention that you’re gaming and raising some money for the children’s hospital.”

Mock started participating in Extra Life through Gator Gaming. The University of Florida’s student-run gaming organization showed Mock how his gaming could make a difference for UF Health pediatric patients.

“I’m really committed to Extra Life,” Mock said. “It’s part of who I am.”

Every year on Extra Life Game Day, Mock invites gamers to Stomping Grounds. Game Day is dedicated to playing games with friends and raising funds to support CMN Hospitals.

“We’re actively in the store playing games together,” Mock said. “I wouldn’t be able to raise money without my friends, co-workers and family.”

Mock says the Extra Life community is tight-knit. Bonded by a common love, gamers gravitate to one another and form fast friendships. It is this community that powers on their consoles and grabs their controllers to make a difference for pediatric patients.

“I enjoy seeing kids being kids and having a good time,” Mock said. “It’s why I do this. It’s magical to see.”

Mock has two sons who were born at UF Health. His wife sees the impact every day during her job in Unit 44, a pediatric department of UF Health Shands. Mock experiences peace of mind knowing UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is there for his children and pediatric patients.

“It means a lot to me to know how close Shands is,” Mock said. “It takes a burden away.”

You can join the Extra Life movement by registering today! Be sure to select UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, and you’ll be on your way to leveling up pediatric healthcare for children from Florida and beyond!