Game Night

press release: Mineral Point’s Historic Preservation Weekend is the setting for an evening of tabletop games and an auction to raise donations for the charity RIP Medical Debt, which aims to eliminate $1 Billion in Americans’ medical debt by 2020. The organization’s focus this year is on veterans’ medical debt, and the game night/auction, spearheaded by Mineral Point resident Rory Metcalf, is part of that effort.

The evening, hosted by the Grey Dog Deli at 215 High Street, will include popular games for drop-in players, such as Apples to Apples, Bananagrams, and Cards Against Humanity. Less competitive activities will be available, from witty coloring pages to a jigsaw puzzle or two. Those wishing to relax with a drink after a day of walking tours are also welcome; beverages will be available for purchase, with a portion of wine sales benefitting RIP as well. $2 suggested donation at the door.

The auction will include several themed baskets of gift certificates and other items donated by area businesses and individuals. Opening bids may be made on paper during the auction preview, with the auction itself taking place at 8:30 pm.

Metcalf chose RIP Medical Debt as a personal cause, she said, “because I love their story. Two debt collection executives turning their goals upside down, buying portfolios of debt not to profit from it, but to forgive it and send letters to surprised recipients relieving them of this burden.”

Many are surprised to learn that veterans’ health care isn’t completely free. While the Veterans’ Administration helps many with medical care, it still denies over $3 billion in claims.

“RIP Medical Debt is one of the greatest charity values for a donor,” Metcalf added. “Because debt is purchased in bulk for pennies on the dollar, each dollar raised eliminates $100 of debt.” In addition, 100% of every dollar donated to the veterans effort goes directly toward abolishing medical debts.

Anyone who can’t attend but wishes to donate can do so online at RIP’s dedicated page for this effort. Donations can also be made by texting RoryVetDebtRelief to 50155.

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RIP Medical Debt is a nonprofit organization that allows generous donors and organizations to erase the debt of Americans whose lives have been destroyed by unjust medical debt. Founded in 2014 by two former collections industry executive, Craig Antico & Jerry Ashton, RIP rose to national prominence on an episode of Last Week Tonight with John Oliver that has been viewed almost 10 million times, where RIP facilitated the erasure of $15M in medical debt for only $60,000. To learn more, and get involved, visit www.ripmedicaldebt.org