Each year, the Mario Marathon crew plays through as many Mario titles as possible, sometimes to 100%, sometimes just to completion, all in the name of charity. As is the case from previous years, you will once again have a chance to offer up your donations towards the marathon. Each time goals are met, an additional level from a game will have to be played until the players catch up with the unlocked levels.
If you want to keep them playing, you'll have to donate. All donations made go towards the Child's Play Charity, a charity started by Penny-Arcade that purchases games and gaming hardware for sick children stuck in hospitals throughout North America, parts of Europe, and even Africa.
Even before the marathon starts, the Mario Marathon group has already raised $3,800, which means that 312 levels and goals have already been unlocked. Last year, the group managed to raise $112,808 for the Child's Play Charity. In addition to them providing literal days of entertainment in the name of charity, they often do a number of giveaways of items that were donated to them or that they purchased out of their own pocket.
We'll probably provide a few updates throughout the week as a reminder that you should go check them out. Mario Marathon 6 kicks off at 11AM (EDT) tomorrow with Mario Galaxy 2.