What connection binds D&D5e, the actor Joe Manganiello and three patients of the Pittsburgh children’s hospital? The answer is another excellent example that comes from the world of RPGs, another good deed such as that relating to the Australian situation. And it’s always nice to see players and masters with their heads lost in a thousand worlds but with their hearts attentive to ours.
We love you, Joe!
Joe Manganiello was born in nearby Mt.Lebanon and he is a member of the UPMC Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh board of trustee. Joe is also known for his passion for the world’s most famous role-playing game.
Manganiello has long been an active supporter of The Art of Elysium. It is a non-profit organization founded in 1997 that encourages actors, artists and musicians to voluntarily dedicate their time and talent to children who are fighting serious pathologies. He is also a supporter of Until There’s a Cure, a charity dedicated to fighting AIDS.
Manganiello and his afternoon in Pittsburgh
The actor had already donated more than one starter set to the hospital and a few days ago together with his brother Nick he spent an afternoon with three patients introducing them to the game by mastering D&D5e. His enthusiasm for the occasion also shines through his statements:
I think at the heart of this game, it’s about immersion and being able to step out of reality for a little while. And when it comes to Children’s Hospital and kids I think that becomes really necessary. […] There is one boy I think will probably become dungeon master by 5 o’clock this afternoon. He’s on the right way.”
Joe Manganiello
At the end of the event, the Manganiello brothers also said that they hope that the initiative will inspire other children and young people from the hospital to learn the game and start to roleplay. We cannot agree more.