How Walmart Store #2043 Turned Gaming into Impact for Extra Life
In Warsaw, New York, Walmart Store #2043 has built a simple but effective model for engaging associates in Extra Life fundraising, and the results speak for themselves. In 2025, the store raised an additional almost $5,000 on top of their traditional summer Children’s Miracle Network round-up campaign. In 2026, they’ve set their sights even higher with a $7,000 goal.
Assembling the Party
Store #2043 first learned about Extra Life through their local hospital partner. As luck would have it, Business Coach Joshua was already working with Team Leads Austin and Charlie to bring associates at the store together for a Dungeons & Dragons campaign. They wanted to use this opportunity to empower their team to work together and increase their social skills with their fellow associates and customers in a comfortable environment. There was immediate natural synergy with the idea of gaming for good.
Instead of overcomplicating recruitment, Team Lead Charlie created a clear and relatable message on a signup sheet:
- Do you crave adventure?
- Do you want to help sick kids??
- Can you spell your own name???
The playfulness of the inherently rhetorical questions and straightforward invitation made it easy for associates to say yes.
The Power of Play
About half of the store’s fundraising comes from gaming events. Dungeons & Dragons has been their anchor activity, but they’re also building a Magic: The Gathering group and see potential for other formats, even something simple like utilizing Jackbox-style party games.
The key insight: it doesn’t have to be D&D, and any existing interest group could double as a fundraiser. Associates log their time playing as volunteer hours through Deed, creating alignment with Walmart’s systems while keeping participation organized and trackable.
The other half of their fundraising comes from individuals’ personal Extra Life campaign pages under the “Mind Flayer Slayers” group on the Walmart Super Team, where friendly competition inspires associates to fundraise. Creating a little team-based energy and momentum helps drive engagement and keeps the campaign visible.
Joshua and store manager Brittany work hard to make associates feel appreciated for their participation in Extra Life and even hosted a 2025 end of year celebration event, complete with fun, personalized awards.
Navigating Corporate Considerations
Walmart is understandably careful about compliance and optics. On-premises events can also be challenging. Store #2043 solved this by hosting many of their activities offsite but nearby, most commonly a local pizza place. This approach:
- Reduces corporate concerns
- Provides a relaxed, social environment
- Supports another local business
- Increases community exposure
Other Walmart stores could also explore thoughtful, store-level incentives within corporate and local leadership guidelines to further encourage participation.
The team acknowledges that they are fortunate to have highly supportive store leadership. That support has made a significant difference in participation and momentum. While not every store may start with the same level of leadership engagement, having buy-in from store management is a powerful accelerator.
It’s well studied that happy employees who feel connected to their workplace are more productive and less likely to seek new roles. Participating in a group activity, especially in support of a great cause, promotes togetherness and overall well-being at work.
A Replicable Model
Walmart Store #2043 demonstrates that successful Extra Life activation doesn’t require complex infrastructure. With nearly $5,000 raised in 2025 and a $7,000 goal for 2026, Store #2043 proves that when associates rally around something they already love, meaningful fundraising can follow.
Looking to get started at your Walmart or Sam’s Club location? Check out the dedicated guidebook here, or reach out to Extra Life support at support@extra-life.org.
