GameStop's Viral "Staplegate" Auction Transformed an Unexpected Incident into a Powerful Philanthropic Initiative

Charity auction raises $250,000 for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals

NEW YORK, Aug. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Children's Miracle Network Hospitals (CMN Hospitals) announced that GameStop's highly publicized "Staplegate" auction has successfully raised an astounding $250,000, providing critical funds to change kids' health to change the future.

The auction featured the infamous stapler and staple that inadvertently damaged a handful of Nintendo Switch 2 consoles on launch day, an event that quickly went viral. GameStop seized the opportunity to turn the situation into a positive force, auctioning off the items with all proceeds benefiting CMN Hospitals.

To celebrate the success of the auction, GameStop hosted a special event on Thursday, August 7, at its Union Square store in New York City. The morning was filled with uplifting moments that highlighted the powerful real-world impact of this initiative and marked the official handover of the stapler items to the winning bidder.

CMN Hospitals' President and CEO, Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., was joined by GameStop staff and families from both local and national CMN Hospitals—including Cohen Children's Medical Center, Children's Specialized Hospital, Maria Fareri Children's Hospital, and Primary Children's Hospital.

"We are absolutely overwhelmed and incredibly grateful for GameStop's extraordinary kindness and ingenuity," said Aimee J. Daily, Ph.D., President & CEO of Children's Miracle Network Hospitals. "What began as a viral moment was transformed by GameStop into a quarter of a million dollars for children's hospitals. This remarkable generosity will provide life-saving treatments, essential equipment, and vital programs for countless children and their families, creating a world of possibilities for generations to come."

Among the special guests at the event was 15-year-old Nellie, a former Children's Miracle Network Hospitals Champion from Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City. Diagnosed at age six with a one-in-one-million kidney disease, Nellie continues to undergo regular treatments—and finds comfort and connection through therapeutic gaming during her infusions. When she's not at the hospital, you'll often find her playing her favorite games on her Xbox or PS4.

"Gaming helps me focus on something fun instead of my treatments," Nellie shared. "It makes the time go by faster, and I feel like I can just be a kid." She added, "It's really cool to see an item that made such an impact in the gaming industry be auctioned for so much money—and all that money going to Children's Miracle Network Hospitals, an organization that's supported me throughout my life."

The success of the "Staplegate" auction underscores GameStop's deep commitment to its community and its ability to rally support for meaningful causes. The funds raised will help make an even greater impact on children's healthcare across the CMN Hospitals' network and fund mission critical support.

GameStop's dedication to supporting children's health extends beyond the auction. Customers can continue to make a difference by donating to CMN Hospitals at the register in GameStop stores.

Furthermore, GameStop is encouraging its employees and customers to join the GameStop Extra Life Super Team, an initiative through which gamers play games to raise funds for their local children's hospital. This ongoing partnership provides a fun and impactful way for the gaming community to continue its support.

"The passion and generosity of the GameStop community are truly inspiring," added Dr. Daily. "We invite everyone who was touched by the "Staplegate" auction to continue this incredible momentum by joining the GameStop Extra Life Super Team. Every game played, every dollar raised, helps change kids' health."

Children's hospitals are counting on heroes like you. Join the cause and start fundraising today at extra-life.org—or click here (extra-life.org/gamestop) to begin your journey with the GameStop Extra Life Super Team.

About Children's Miracle Network Hospitals: Children's Miracle Network Hospitals was founded more than 40 years ago with the vision to Change Kids' Health, Change the Future. We've raised over $9 billion for 170 children's hospitals by empowering and engaging with local communities and businesses – and we're not done yet. All donations benefit local member hospitals to fund what's needed most, like critical life-saving treatments and healthcare services, innovative research, vital pediatric medical equipment, child life services that put kids' and families' minds at ease during difficult hospital stays, and financial assistance for families who could not otherwise afford these health services.

Together, we can change kids' health. Together, we can change the future. To learn about Children's Miracle Network Hospitals and your local member children's hospital, visit cmnhospitals.org.

Media Contact:
Christina Vitale
Communications Manager
Children's Miracle Network Hospitals
O: 801-214-7400
C: 908-839-2152
[email protected]
CMNHospitals.org

SOURCE Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals