Held in October each year, Nite to Unite is a black-tie dinner hosted by the ESA and supported by members of the association and the gaming industry to raise funds for the foundation. The money goes toward the ESAF’s scholarship and grant programs. The organization said it’s raised more than $12 million since its founding in 2000.
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Valve cofounder Gabe Newell was named 2012 ESA Champion Honoree at this year’s event for his work in bringing physics puzzle game Portal to classrooms across the country. Other honorees in the past have included Mike Morhaime, Blizzard Entertainment’s president, chief executive officer, and cofounder; Robbie Bach, former president of Microsoft’s Entertainment & Devices Division; and film legend George Lucas.