INDIANAPOLIS (March 1, 2024) — Gen Con, the largest and longest-running tabletop gaming convention in North America, has selected Indy-based Tangram and The Rose Gauntlet Foundation as its official charity partners for 2024. Since moving to Indianapolis in 2003, the annual convention has raised more than $425,000 for its charity partners.
Jackie Martin, Director of Marketing at Gen Con, expressed her heartfelt appreciation for the remarkable work carried out by Tangram and The Rose Gauntlet Foundation, saying, "It's truly inspiring to witness the tremendous impact they're making in the community. We are honored to partner with them in 2024, and we'll do our best to support their mission in any way we can."
As part of this partnership, both organizations will receive proceeds from Gen Con’s 2024 fundraising efforts, including longstanding charity events such as the popular “Cardhalla,” a mass destruction of giant playing card structures, and the game auction, where highly desirable items donated by exhibitors and collectors will open for bids. Both groups will receive promotional marketing and table space at the convention to connect with attendees and share information about their work.
“The Rose Gauntlet Foundation is overjoyed to be named one of the official charity partners of Gen Con 2024,” said Isaac Vega, Founding Member of The Rose Gauntlet Foundation. “We could not be happier to be partnering with this convention that has continuously supported our vision to help underrepresented people find success and community in tabletop games. We would not be here without Gen Con believing in us, and we are so excited to be returning again to host the BIPOC lounge alongside them.”
“Tangram is truly honored to be selected as this year's charitable organization at the 2024 Gen Con annual convention in Indianapolis," said Sam Criss, Tangram’s CEO. “This recognition underscores Gen Con’s unwavering commitment to championing diversity, equity, and inclusion. As we stand together with Gen Con, we emphasize the importance of raising awareness for disability inclusion, fostering a community that celebrates differences, and working towards a more accessible and inclusive future for all. This partnership will help support Tangram’s programs helping Hoosiers with disabilities live full, meaningful, and happy lives at home and as members of their community.”
Gen Con Indy 2024 will run August 1-4 in the Indiana Convention Center, Lucas Oil Stadium, and surrounding downtown hotels. 4-Day and single-day badges are available for purchase at gencon.com. The convention will continue to offer thousands of ticketed in-person events and a sold-out Exhibit Hall. Also returning are fan-favorite experiences, including the Maker’s Market featuring local Indy artisans and creators, the annual Costume Contest, the Gen Con Film Festival, and the outdoor Block Party featuring the Sun King Beer Garden, dozens of food trucks, and live entertainment.
Founded in 1985, Tangram is a leading nonprofit organization based in Indianapolis, Indiana, dedicated to empowering individuals with disabilities to achieve their fullest potential.
Through a wide range of person-centered programs and services, Tangram provides support, resources, and advocacy to enhance the quality of life for individuals with disabilities and their families.
With a focus on inclusivity, independence, and community integration, Tangram offers tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each individual, fostering a supportive environment that promotes personal growth and opportunities for meaningful engagement. By joining alongside other community partners, Tangram strives to create a more inclusive society where people of all abilities are valued and included. Tangram offers a wide range of individualized services to meet the unique needs of the people we serve, such as community and residential support, behavior consulting, life coaching, transportation, wellness services, ABA, and much more!
At Tangram, we are committed to making a positive impact and driving meaningful change for individuals with disabilities, promoting equality, and fostering a more inclusive and accessible world for all. For more information about our programs, volunteer opportunities, or ways to support our mission, please visit thetangramway.org or contact us at [email protected].
Learn more at thetangramway.org/about/
Rose Gauntlet Foundation is a dedicated community-driven initiative focusing on creating events and providing resources that foster inclusivity and uplift underrepresented people within the tabletop gaming industry.
Rose Gauntlet Foundation's roots trace back to the inaugural "Big Gay Dinner," a gathering of LGBTQ+ professionals in tabletop games passionate about expanding the community. What started as a small gathering blossomed into a vibrant community seeking to extend its reach and impact.
In 2020, Rose Gauntlet Entertainment was established, a publishing company that aims to broaden the reach of inclusivity in tabletop gaming. Recognizing the importance of fostering connections among individuals lacking means or access, we began to host regular events that would achieve the type of impact we hoped to have in the industry.
As our mission expanded, the pivotal year of 2022 marked a significant milestone with the establishment of the BIPOC Lounge at Gen Con—an endeavor that garnered widespread acclaim from underrepresented gamers and professionals. The resounding success of this venture underscored the need for a dedicated platform to amplify our mission and reach.
In response to growing demand and a steadfast commitment to our cause, the Rose Gauntlet Foundation was formed as an official 501c3 non-profit organization in 2023. This evolution symbolized our unwavering dedication to creating inclusive spaces, providing essential resources, and empowering underrepresented groups within the tabletop gaming community.
As we continue to expand our efforts, we aspire to cultivate a landscape in tabletop games where underrepresented groups can find unity, feel valued, and gain access to every opportunity the tabletop games industry makes available. Our belief is that by supporting our community, we can empower others to champion each other and support the aspirations of all who seek to thrive within the hobby and industry of tabletop games.
Learn more at rosegauntletfoundation.com
Gen Con is North America's largest and longest-running annual event devoted to tabletop gaming culture. The convention, which began in 1968 in Lake Geneva, WI, takes place each summer in Indianapolis, IN. During the convention, attendees shop and demo games from hundreds of exhibiting companies and choose from thousands of ticketed events representing a wide array of board games, card games, roleplaying games, seminars, entertainment events, and more.
Gen Con Logos and Brand Kit: gencon.com/press/brand-resources
Photographs of Gen Con Indy 2023: https://bit.ly/genconindy2023media
Media Contact for Gen Con: Stacia Kirby, (206) 363-1492, [email protected].