As the end of the year approaches, we here at Ravenwood Castle are turning our attention to what is undoubtedly our favorite annual event, the Hoop & Stick Convention. I am excited to be able to announce two great changes for Hoop & Stick 2016.

Origins Game Fair Sponsorship!

First, we are thrilled to announce that Origins Game Fair will be joining us as a Hoop & Stick sponsor for 2016!

For those of you who haven’t ventured to Origins (and you really should!), it is one of the largest tabletop gaming conventions in the United States, and is held in Columbus, Ohio – virtually our back yard! We visit several conventions each year, both as participants and exhibitors, and Origins is always our favorite.

Origins 2016 is scheduled for June 15th-19th. Mark your calendars for a week of gaming fun, and enjoy games of every variety: tabletop games, miniatures games, roleplaying games, LARPs, traditional games, collectible card games, and even poker. Be sure to make time to visit us at the Ravenwood Castle and Malted Meeple booth on the exhibit hall floor while you’re there!

Extra Life!

Our second announcement marks a change in Hoop & Stick itself, and is something we have been contemplating, working on, and discussing with Hoop & Stick attendees for several months.

As anyone who is familiar with Hoop & Stick knows, the convention is at its core a fundraising event dedicated to improving the lives of sick and injured children. We have no intention of changing that! We are however changing how we go about that goal – namely the specific charity which we will be supporting.

Beginning with Hoop & Stick 2016, the funds raised at the convention will be directed to Extra Life, a Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals fundraising program.

Our sister company the Malted Meeple has recently completed two fund raising events in support of Extra Life, and the level of support and assistance we received from the charity and the benefiting local hospitals was tremendous. We are looking forward to continuing to work with the organization and hospitals, and believe their support will help us make Hoop & Stick even more successful in years to come!

If you have any questions about Extra Life, our continued mission with Hoop & Stick, or would like to become involved as a sponsor or silent auction donor, please be sure to contact us at hoopandstick@ravenwoodcastle.com.

Stay tuned for more announcements as Hoop & Stick 2016 approaches!

Jim Reed

Jim Reed is a lifelong gamer who started with the original red box Dungeons & Dragons. After spending 20 years in the corporate world, he decided it was high time that work be fun and struck out on his own. Jim now owns and operates Ravenwood Castle, and spends his days ensuring his guests have as much fun as he does.