VDO Gaming and Esports Education Center
Donation protected
Reward Tiers
$10 – Shoutout Supporter
- Receive a personalized thank-you shoutout on VDO Gaming's social media platforms and a special acknowledgment on a “Supporters Wall” at the center.
$25 – Gamer's Badge
- "Supporter Badge" for social media and a thank-you email with an exclusive update on VDO Gaming’s progress.
$50 – Member for a Day
- Get a free "Member for a Day" pass to VDO Gaming, which includes 1 full day of gaming time. This pass is perfect for locals who want to experience the center and show their support in person.
$100 – Founder's Wall
- Recognition on the VDO Gaming "Founders Wall" as one of the campaign's major supporters.
- You’ll receive a personal thank-you post from the founders and an invitation to an exclusive virtual Q&A session on VDO’s mission, programs, and plans.
$250 – Founder Membership (20 Limit)
- 1-year membership at VDO Gaming
- 4 monthly free gaming hours,
- 10% discounts on drinks and snacks and exclusive access to early registration for tournaments and events.
- 1 Private Event.
- Custom Entry Badge.
$600 – VIP Membership (10 Limit)
- VIP 3-year membership at VDO Gaming
- 8 free monthly gaming hours
- 15% discounts on drinks and snacks and exclusive access to early registration for tournaments and events.
- 2 Private Events (Birthday, Corporate)
- Custom Entry Badge.
$2,000 – Sponsor a Youth Gamer (5 Limit)
- Support a child’s gaming education by funding their enrollment in VDO Gaming’s after-school program or summer camp for life.
- Receive updates on the student’s progress, an honorary mention on our website, and an invitation to a showcase event.
- 3-Year Membership for Youth Gamer
- 8 free monthly gaming hours
- Custom Entry Badge
$5,000 – Elite Supporter Package (2 Limit)
- Lifetime VIP membership at VDO Gaming + personalized VDO gaming jersey + sponsor recognition in a gaming area or classroom.
- Supporters at this level are also invited to a private tour and dinner with the founders.
- All events and hours are included in this package.
- 4 Private Events a Year.
- Special acknowledgment in the center’s most popular gaming area (e.g., “Legacy Lounge” or "Elite Patron’s Zone") + exclusive Legacy Patron badge on the "Supporters Wall."
- Patrons at this level can also co-sponsor a youth scholarship fund for esports education, with naming recognition.
- Custom Badge and Lanyard
These rewards recognize all levels of support, from small contributions to significant investments, while providing experiences and items unique to VDO Gaming. These will encourage community support and foster a sense of belonging among contributors.
Help Us Build the Future of Gaming, Esports, and STEM Education in the Capital Region!
Welcome to our GoFundMe page for the VDO Gaming & Esports Education Center, the first space in the Capital Region of New York dedicated entirely to Video Game Entertainment, Esports Entertainment, and STEM in Gaming. VDO Gaming will be a game-changing facility where youth, gamers, and esports enthusiasts can immerse themselves in state-of-the-art gaming experiences while offering valuable education programs in STEM, broadcasting, and esports careers.
This groundbreaking facility will be located in Menands, New York, and managed by Claim to Fame Entertainment LLC, a local leader in esports education and hosting live esports events.
Our Vision
The VDO Gaming & Esports Education Center will be a recreation place and a hub for learning, collaboration, and innovation. We aim to provide:
- High-tech gaming setups featuring the latest gaming PCs and consoles
- Educational programs that teach skills like game design, coding, broadcasting, and esports management
- Esports tournaments where players can showcase their talents
- A supportive environment to foster teamwork, communication, and leadership skills
- STEM-focused learning integrated into the gaming experience
We need your help to bring this vision to life. Your contribution will help fund the renovation and outfitting of the facility, the purchase of cutting-edge gaming and broadcasting equipment, and the launch of community programs designed to engage young people in STEM and esports careers.
A Proven Track Record of Success
Claim to Fame Entertainment LLC has a history of delivering exceptional esports and gaming education programs in the Capital Region. Here are a few highlights of our past programming and partnerships:
Albany County Parks & Recreation: We partnered with Albany County to offer esports education programs that included hands-on experience in gaming, broadcasting, and marketing management. These programs engaged local youth, teaching them valuable skills in a fun, interactive environment.
Summer Programs at the Jewish Community Center (JCC): Our summer camps at JCC allowed kids to learn about gaming, logo creation, and the business side of esports. These programs fostered creativity, teamwork, and problem-solving.
The YMCA: We partnered with the YMCA to offer esports programs that introduced young gamers to the world of competitive gaming alongside the importance of character development and sportsmanship.
Albany Police Athletic League: Through this partnership, we provided opportunities for underserved youth to engage in educational gaming experiences.
The Connect Center for Youth: In collaboration with The Connect Center, we introduced esports and STEM opportunities to at-risk youth, giving them a safe and educational environment to learn, grow, and connect.
State-of-the-Art Facilities to Inspire the Next Generation
To ensure that our center meets the highest standards of excellence, we are drawing inspiration from the cutting-edge esports facilities in the region, including:
SUNY Albany Esports Arena: With its state-of-the-art gaming PCs, broadcasting equipment, and dedicated space for esports competitions, the SUNY Albany arena provides an excellent model for what we want to offer at VDO Gaming.
The College of St. Rose Esports Lab: Featuring high-end gaming systems, the St. Rose lab offers students access to competitive gaming while providing educational game development and design opportunities.
Hudson Valley Community College Esports Center: As one of the state's top community college esports programs, HVCC has created a facility that balances competitive gaming with academic learning in technology and digital arts.
We aim to create a pipeline to these facilities while offering a broader range of educational programs and community events.
Major Esports Events and Community Engagement
We are committed to bringing the excitement of esports to the broader community through major events. Our leadership team has organized and participated in significant events, such as:
HV Gamer Con: One of the premier esports events in the Capital Region, HV Gamer Con has brought together the best collegiate esports talent in the region. VDO Gaming will build on the excitement of events like HV Gamer Con by hosting tournaments and inviting players from all over the state to compete.
New York State High School Esports Showcase: We organized this event in partnership with Albany County. It brought together high school teams to compete while educating students about esports career pathways.
How You Can Help
We are seeking to raise $20,000 to bring this dream to reality. Your donation will go toward:
Upgrading our professional broadcasting studio!
This studio will run professional broadcasts of our gaming tournaments and serve as a station to teach esports commentary, streaming, and video production.
Join Us in Building the Future of Esports and STEM!
Your support can make a real difference in the lives of young gamers and aspiring esports professionals in the Capital Region. Please help us create a space where they can learn, compete, and grow. Whether you're a gamer, parent, educator, or simply someone who believes in the power of technology and education, we invite you to be part of this journey.
Thank you for supporting the VDO Gaming & Esports Education Center! Together, we can create an innovative and inclusive community that inspires the next generation of leaders in gaming and STEM.
Organizer
John Crossman
Organizer
Albany, NY