Midwest Cards and VeeFriends launch 24-hour fundraiser for kids' mental health

Midwest Cards and VeeFriends will host a 24-hour Whatnot livestream and in-store event Oct. 23-24 in Columbus, with all proceeds benefiting The Kids Mental Health Foundation. The fundraiser blends exclusive collectibles, guest appearances and family activities to support mental health resources for children and families.

Why it matters: - The fundraiser channels spending from collectors into mental health support for children and families. - All proceeds from the 24-hour livestream go to The Kids Mental Health Foundation. - The event also raises awareness for the foundation's work through a high-traffic collectibles community.

What happened: - Midwest Cards and VeeFriends are teaming up for a 24-hour live stream and in-store fundraiser Oct. 23-24. - The livestream runs on Whatnot from 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 23, to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 24. - The in-person event takes place Saturday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at Midwest Cards in Columbus' Arena District. - The store is at 401 N. Front St., Suite 95. - Viewers can tune in on the Midwest Cards Whatnot channel, @midwestcards.

The details: - The livestream will feature exclusive VeeFriends items available only during the event. - Special guests will join the stream throughout the 24 hours. - The in-store portion will include special guests, games, giveaways and family-friendly activities. - Midwest Cards is accepting donated single cards, sealed boxes, cases and sports memorabilia. - Monetary donations can be made online through the fundraiser page. - More donation details are available through the donation information page. - Following @midwestcards on Whatnot and sharing the event are additional ways to support the effort.

Between the lines: - The partnership extends Midwest Cards' identity as a community hub beyond retail and into charitable organizing. - VeeFriends brings a built-in audience of collectors and fans that can amplify donations quickly across livestream commerce. - Jim Christy, Midwest Cards' CEO, said the hobby has always been about community and that the event puts that community to work for kids. - Dr. Ariana Hoet, executive clinical director of The Kids Mental Health Foundation, said the event helps advance the goal of making mental health a vital part of growing up. - Midwest Cards is part of The Kids Mental Health Foundation's Corporate Collective.

What's next: - Collectors and families can participate online from 10 p.m. Friday through 10 p.m. Saturday. - Local supporters can attend in person during Saturday's 12-hour storefront event. - The fundraiser adds to The Kids Mental Health Foundation's outreach as it leans on corporate and community partners for support.

The bottom line: - The event turns a collectibles livestream into a 24-hour fundraising push for children's mental health, with online and in-person participation built in.