What’s more magical than humanitarian work?
The popular barcade and pop up venue Replay Lincoln Park will host a “Benefit for Bushfires Quidditch World Cup” this Fri to raise money for bushfire relief efforts in Australia. Their method of fundraising? Harry Potter-themed beer pong. Each goal attempt costs $1 and every cent will be donated to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital.
Nearly 18 million acres of land have been lost to massive bushfires in Australia. At least 24 people have died because of the massive blaze and more than 2,000 homes have been destroyed, according to the New York Times. In addition to that, it’s estimated that one billion animals, some already on the verge of extinction, have died as a result of the bushfires. This is a particularly devastating as Australia is a megadiverse country that’s home to 600,000 to 700,000 species. Many of these species are unique to Australia and cannot be found anywhere else in the world.
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This is where Replay Lincoln Park wants to help. The barcade will donate proceeds from the Harry Potter-themed beer pong competition to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital. This nonprofit is run by the Irwin family and has already treated over 90,000 animals injured by the Australian bushfires.
The rules are the same as regular beer pong; try to get the ball in a cup of beer. If you get one in, the opposite team has to drink that cup. Each attempt costs $1 and participants can take as many tries as they want until they sink a shot. If you sink a particularly difficult shot, you get a free Harry Potter-themed alcoholic shot. You also get entry into a drawing for a free t-shirt and $100 gift card.
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In addition to the beer pong competition, Replay Lincoln Park will be hosting a Harry Potter cosplay competition at 8 p.m. Come wearing your best wizardly cosplay and the bar will award cash prizes to the three top winners! First prize is $150, second prize is $100, and third place is a $50 gift card. Win and you could donate that money to the Australia Zoo Wildlife Hospital or another organization providing relief aid to the bushfires.
The Harry Potter fandom has a long history of raising money for charity and this event is no different. Show up Fri Jan 17 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to enjoy Replay Lincoln Park’s Harry Potter pop up, show off your Quidditch skills, and do some good. Harry would be proud!
Practical information
Feature image by @katiehamilton92. Actual beer pong table may vary.