Golden Charity
Fundraiser Ends at $31,000!
After over a month of unbelievable support from the Team Fortress 2 community, the Golden Charity fundraiser for Child's Play has concluded with
$31,000 in donations from nearly 2,000 donors.*
Thank you so much for this incredible support!
As promised, the celebration came to a final close on August 31, 2010,
when all 13 Golden Wrenches were destroyed.
If you've just found out about this event and wish to support Child's Play Charity, you can donate to them at any time at their official web site.
NOTE: At this time, no further additions to the Update Log or the Steam Group will be made (except retroactively for eligible donations).
Update History
- Congratulations to the entire TF2 community for continuing to support Child's Play Charity!
- The first 1,000 donations of $10 or more were posted on the Charity Update Log
- Everyone who donated before August 23rd is eligible to join a Steam Community group to display their generosity.
- Got a question about this event? Check out the Charity FAQ.
- 14 Golden Wrenches were destroyed! Why don't you take a minute to Meet the Wrenches?
- Want to show your support in-game? Use the official Golden Charity Spray.
- You can follow along with the discussion on the official Steam TF2 forums here.
- If you're having trouble viewing the updated collection totals, try clearing your browser's cache.
Media
- Holy **** on a ***** with a side of *****: an official TF2 blog post! Thanks so much Valve for your support!!!
- Response from Robin Walker on the event!
- Thanks to Joystiq, Destructoid, Kritzkast, Ubercharged, and Rock/Paper/Shotgun for the coverage!
- Good Game on ABC2 in Australia has featured the fundraiser in its August 2nd episode!
- Mike Dodd interviews WiNG on This Week in Geek (starts 43 minutes into the program)
Destroying the Wrench
As many people know, I've planned to destroy Golden Wrench #31 ever since receiving it. While I've often briefly described my intentions, I'd like to take this time to explain my motivations, what I seek to accomplish, and ask you for your help and support.
Since its inception, the Golden Wrench stirred up a lot of controversy; it was an item whose hype was matched only by its rarity. Releasing only 100 of the items, at random, to the Team Fortress 2 population, Valve incurred the ire of many players who crafted their entire inventories in vain. Meanwhile, 99 jokers and I got awarded these rare weapons at random. These weapons induce a magical, Midas effect and even feature several lines of item-specific kill dialog.
The Steam community has seen a bevy of bad emotions resulting from this distribution (and, in some cases, from hacking-related fallout), and as an owner of the Wrench, I've also experienced a bit of its curse. While it's certainly fun to wield this magical weapon, it's also served as a source of constant inquiry, hate, jealousy, and unwanted negative attention. It's a shame that such a fun item was so limited; it has ultimately made Team Fortress 2 less fun, not more.
A Golden Opportunity for Positive Change
So, in my infinite wisdom, I've decided that perhaps Golden Wrench #31 is better served destroyed than remaining to exist. I also decided that, if I were to destroy it, why shouldn't I try to make something good come of the situation? To create something positive of this utterly divisive, bitter issue? And for that reason, I've chosen to run a fundraiser to benefit the Child's Play Charity, culminating in the destruction of the Golden Wrench. So far, this movement has gained the support of thousands, including 10 other Golden Wrench owners who have chosen to join me and delete their gold-plated playthings for charity.
For those of you unfamiliar with this charity, Child's Play is associated with Penny Arcade and works to donate movies, games, toys, and other goods to children's hospitals around the country. These items help children, many of whom are seriously (or even terminally) ill to better endure their hospital stays. This organization has consistently worked with the gaming community to show that gamers like you and me can make a positive difference in the lives of children who need our help.
How You Can Help Turn Gold into Good
The task at hand is simple. Below, you'll find a widget allowing you to donate any amount you wish to give directly to the Child's Play Charity. Your gift will be tallied, along with the gifts of all other contributors, through August 23. These donations will help bring joy, entertainment, and comfort to ill children who desperately need something to help them through an incredibly difficult part of their lives.
On August 31st, 12 fellow Golden Wrench owners and I will destroy the our Golden Wrenches, and invite the 20 most generous contributors to commemorate the event in-server and celebrate their demise. This game will be hosted courtesy of Baron's Pub Servers. Take screen shots, record demos, and be the last people ever immortalized as these wrenches' victims before these limited items are permanently deleted. The destruction of each wrench will also result in a global announcement to all TF2 players.
Additionally, a special video will be made to celebrate the generous donations of the entire community.
So please, take a minute of your time and a couple dollars to help turn a useless virtual item into real and permanent good for children in need. Be a hero to someone in pain, and be a part of Team Fortress 2 history forever.
Donate any amount you can; every dollar helps someone in need.If you would like to be added to the Charity Update Log
or the official Steam Group for this fundraiser, follow the instructions on the Update Log page.
Please share this page with as many people as you can,
especially those active in the Team Fortress 2 community.
*This total includes offline donations and donations made by check, which were not recorded by the ChipIn widget.
Join the T3 Steam Group
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July 20th, 2010 - 04:00
Fantastic cause, best wishes to you.
July 20th, 2010 - 10:13
Thanks, I really appreciate it. If there is anything you can do to spread the word, please do!
August 14th, 2010 - 09:32
It’s on the official team fortress 2 blog!
August 14th, 2010 - 21:36
Yeah that really helped us get a LOT more donations!
July 20th, 2010 - 09:31
Bravo. Making something constructive out of something superficial was the best thing you could come up with.
July 20th, 2010 - 10:13
Thank you. I know people say nobody cares about the Wrench, but it’s the only leverage I really have.
August 5th, 2010 - 12:50
I c wut u did thar
August 9th, 2010 - 22:42
Ohohoho you’re so clevar
July 20th, 2010 - 11:05
Fantastic. Since you found this on BRBU, I think that forces me to donate. :P
That and I’ll try my best at spreading the word (and maybe getting the rest of BRBU to chip in).
Cheers!
July 20th, 2010 - 12:28
Awesome and thanks! Let me know how it goes.
July 20th, 2010 - 13:04
Is there an address I can mail money to? Id like to donate, but I am only 15 and have no credit card…
July 20th, 2010 - 14:07
On the Child’s Play web site, their mailing address is on the front page. Good luck!
July 20th, 2010 - 20:50
It feel good when ya donate mates! Do it, ya wont regret it!
July 21st, 2010 - 07:15
Just donated! Great idea.
July 21st, 2010 - 07:28
ReTweeted for you, and hope you get a ton of money for the charity.
July 21st, 2010 - 11:25
Wow. I heard about this on the steam forums, but now your really going through with it. And you’ve already raised nearly 800$? Wow. I don’t usually dontate to these types of things, but the money is for charity, and its funny as heck. :P
July 21st, 2010 - 12:37
It’s a shame how much hate you’ve been getting on the steam forums; it is a great idea though and I’m happy to donate to it.
July 21st, 2010 - 13:15
Wow, only two days and you’ve already raised $744
Bravo, i hope this goes well for the rest and i am VERY sorry that i cannot donate :(
July 21st, 2010 - 13:54
I understand, but thanks for the moral support. You can still help by spreading the word, linking in to the donation drive, or posting the video for the event wherever relevant. Thanks again for reading about it!
July 21st, 2010 - 16:17
Sorry i cant donate i have financial issues at the moment but i hope u raise alot of money
July 21st, 2010 - 16:19
I’ll spread the word tho
July 21st, 2010 - 16:26
Thanks it means a lot!
July 21st, 2010 - 16:40
why did u post on the steam forums saying not to donate?
July 21st, 2010 - 16:58
Because it is against forum rules to ask people to donate; I would get banned. I figured if I posted a sarcastic thread saying the opposite, the idea would get through. And it looks like it has so far, to the tune of $700!
July 21st, 2010 - 16:40
Kudos to you, good sir. I wish I had the funds to contribute, but broke college student and all. Ill spread the word to those who may be able to contribute, however.
I would also like to add that reading the final paragraph becomes much more beautiful when listening to the climax of the 1812 Overture.
July 21st, 2010 - 17:27
thats understandable
July 21st, 2010 - 17:49
I see you’re interested in Belgian River Cruises.
July 22nd, 2010 - 10:03
I would destroy mine as well…. but uh, wing already volunteered his… oh well!
July 24th, 2010 - 07:29
Yo Wing, I was on the server with you when you got it. What you’re doing is awesome, man. Good job.
July 24th, 2010 - 09:06
Unfortunatly, there is no way I could donate (lacking any kind of money spending device) but if I could, I would. I was one of the many which strived to get the wrench and failed and now I almost feel glad I didn’t, so kudos to you, good sir.
July 24th, 2010 - 09:20
Wow good job on the fundraiser, you raised a lot of money just out of at wrench. And I think people who donated will get a Community Weapon, too. You have a good heart, WING.
July 24th, 2010 - 10:19
Please, do not destroy it! Maybe when there is 31th august, ignore event and save wrench?
July 26th, 2010 - 15:44
So, ignore all this good work and charity just so he can keep some stupid virtual item that he only gets unwanted negative attention from? Yea, that sounds like a great idea.
Asshole
August 6th, 2010 - 20:09
Troll detected
July 24th, 2010 - 12:27
Fantastic way to give back! You have raised over 1000 DOLLARS! I cant belive it, god bless ya those kids will get some pretty fancy toys and all thanks to you generous people.
July 24th, 2010 - 13:29
Can i donate without PayPal? I can’t use it and i would love to donate.
July 25th, 2010 - 00:31
If you would like to donate without Paypal, you can do so through the Child’s Play official web site. Just tell’em WiNG sent’ya!
July 24th, 2010 - 13:52
Now this here is a FINE piece a’ work! Job well done, pardner!
Gotta move them totals up, fellas!
July 24th, 2010 - 13:54
Destroying a virtual item which helps real people (in this case, ill children)?
The most heart-warming moment in Team Fortress 2 history. =3
July 24th, 2010 - 17:09
Wow, just wow. To give something artificial for the sake of real children is just the best thing you can do.
I am so sorry I can’t donate, I really am, but i just can’t afford it right now.
Instead I will do anything in my power to spread the word about this.
Keep up the awesome work, and may God bless you(although I’m not religious)!
July 24th, 2010 - 19:39
It’s a great thing your doing, i hope that valve doesnt replace yours. maybe if everyone will destroy their golden wrenches valve will get the idea and either never do a only 100 people item again or just give everyone the wrench. best of luck to you.
July 30th, 2010 - 11:06
they should give everyone the wrench after the charity is done so those people wont get negative attention anymore… or up the number to 20,000 wrenches
July 30th, 2010 - 11:41
I think the gold thing would get annoying after a while. I liked that they were limited but they should have been given out like community items as a reward that you earn, not this random drop thing.
July 25th, 2010 - 00:13
This is a great thing you are doing. I donated :3.
July 25th, 2010 - 01:14
Just donated! Feel free to list me as TriggerOfHel if you publish any lists of people who donated.
July 25th, 2010 - 01:31
Thank you all so much for donating!
Im glad something like this can help make a difference!
I can personally said that Child’s Play helped my closest friend when she was stuck in the hospital after being diagnosed with Cancer.
She has made an amazing recovery now and has given away the game that where donated to her to another child.
Thank you all so much! This kind of Charity donations really do have an amazing effect!
July 25th, 2010 - 01:33
Ace, thanks for your touching comment. We are all so glad this can help people who really need it like your friend.
July 25th, 2010 - 01:43
If there’s anything better than trying to help those in need, it’s seeing it actually work and perpetuate.
July 25th, 2010 - 06:54
Dude seriously… if you would adress the whole world and not only your little USA, it would be a different situation. But this is… not helping at all.
July 25th, 2010 - 08:24
To be fair, Child’s Play does work in more countries than just the USA.
July 25th, 2010 - 16:34
So helping kids in the U.S. wouldn’t be worth the time? It’s not really helping to help kids because they happen to live somewhere?
You could be less of a haughty bastard when commenting on something charity related.
July 25th, 2010 - 08:51
A question – i’ve donated 10 bucks when the wrench log was @ 50., but i can’t see my name on my list.. I’ve provided my name and my Steam profile page URL.
July 25th, 2010 - 09:05
Sorry about that. I just e-mailed you for clarification.
July 25th, 2010 - 09:51
If I may, I would like to donate $100 to this fantastic cause.
However this will hinge on two things.
My negotiating skills to get the money,
and does this work if one were in a country Outside of the U.S?
Best of luck to you and to all the participants!
-Anon. Donor
July 25th, 2010 - 10:07
Dear Mr. Anonymous,
Yes, we’ve had several donations from Australia, England, and other countries. As long as you have a Paypal account, your donation will be accepted and automatically converted into USD on the counter.
Thank you so much for your generous consideration.
July 25th, 2010 - 10:07
i wish you were my dad
July 25th, 2010 - 10:09
1$ given for the charity!
July 26th, 2010 - 14:04
Thanks so much! Every dollar counts!
July 25th, 2010 - 10:49
Great idea! Thanks for using your wrench for good!
I am part of a TF2 community with 1,600+ members. We put this on the front page of our website to show our support.
Best of luck to you!
July 26th, 2010 - 14:04
Thanks that really means a lot! Could you provide a link?
July 26th, 2010 - 17:20
I had it in my original post but for some reason it didn’t show up. I’ll try again. hkcentral.net
It’s also the link you go to when you click my name above.
July 25th, 2010 - 15:15
This is an awesoem idea for a charity, one of my friends got a wrench and I sent him a link to this.
Everyone is doing a great thing and i hope we get more help maybe even a contribution by Valve.
But i do have one question, i have donated and how does one change from Anonymous, to there steam name?
July 25th, 2010 - 15:41
Donated! Big props for thinking this up. And they say gamers are worthless in society, but we can make a difference and to be honest(and a bit immodest) I think we know better then the average person on doing what needs to get done.
Keep proving them wrong my friends!
July 25th, 2010 - 16:15
i wish i could donate, but i am only 14 and i dont know if my dad would want to give up 10 dollars…
July 26th, 2010 - 14:05
If you can’t donate you can still help by spreading the word online!
July 25th, 2010 - 17:59
Can’t believe the response.
People = Awesome.
July 25th, 2010 - 18:33
If I got a Golden Wrench, I would have destroyed it for this fund. Now i’m sad I never got one. :L
July 29th, 2010 - 06:02
You’re not the only one.
August 6th, 2010 - 20:07
Same
July 25th, 2010 - 20:15
$10 for a great cause! Smelt that wrench!
I personally know there is nothing worse than watching your daughter in hospital and I have a friend whose son is going through leukemia treatment. You are doing a good thing my friend.
July 26th, 2010 - 05:02
This is awesome! I’m donating as soon as I get home.
Also, at what time do you plan on destroying the wrench? I’d really like to be there, but an appropriate time for playing games in the United States might be an appropriate time for me to be on a seminar in Sweden.
July 26th, 2010 - 08:18
I am thinking approximately 9:30 PM EST (2:30 AM GMT)
July 26th, 2010 - 10:59
OK, great. Thanks! I’ll see how much I can afford to donate. See you there, hopefully!
I don’t think there’s any better way to use your Golden Wrench than this one, by the way.
July 26th, 2010 - 17:19
I don’t play TF2, but I contributed a bit of my money all the same. This was a great idea, and I wish you luck.
July 27th, 2010 - 09:11
Great idea Wing. The world needs more people like you! :) all the best! /donated
July 27th, 2010 - 12:18
At the end, it could be interesting to have some stats like donations per country and more. :)
July 27th, 2010 - 14:25
This is a massive idea! Dude you are my hero of the week! This is such an awesome sacrifice!
July 27th, 2010 - 15:31
Great, great idea!
Good luck.
July 27th, 2010 - 16:54
I’ve always thought that Child’s Play is the dumbest charity. How can you even consider buying spoiled American kids their must-have video games when children around the world are dying because nobody will give them a piece of FOOD?
July 27th, 2010 - 19:50
child’s play is not for average americans. It’s for terminally ill children who are in hospitals, and are probably fighting cancer and getting chemo. This charity allows them to be distracted from their pain and enjoy their life. Next time, read who this charity is for before you type.
August 3rd, 2010 - 18:26
Plenty of Americans die from starvation. We have basically no safety net for our most vulnerable citizens, and probably never will due to total apathy.
I must admit I really wonder where you’re from when you have this bizarre view that we don’t let anyone go hungry but then also condemn us for trying to distract children from their horrible diseases?
July 27th, 2010 - 19:02
I wouldn’t say it’s a dumb charity.. In comparison it’s obviously not as important as your example but I wouldn’t call it “dumb”.
July 27th, 2010 - 21:03
This is brilliant. You take a minor problem, and turn it into the cure for it and a HUGE problem! I did that Indie game five pack and donated $5 to Child’s Play, but it might be high-time to donate again…
July 28th, 2010 - 09:50
If you do, e-mail me afterwards so I can update your total into one donation.
July 28th, 2010 - 17:39
Although my family prefers to give to our local charities I wanted to say how amazed I was when I first read about this. And then fell down again when 4 more wrenches were included. As one of the many who salvaged everything I had ever earned in the game I was dismayed to hear about the groups that cheated to get wrenches etc. I have never seen one and was always hoping Valve would have brought out a silver one for the masses. Maybe with this project Valve will see that the whole community should benefit from these types of events and not just a select few. Congratulations to you for the very impressive support and of course your generous gesture. As a fellow TF player for what seems like the past 30 years. I wanted to thank you. Best of wishes to you and of course to the children who will benefit from your generosity.
July 28th, 2010 - 18:37
Thanks so much for your kind words! I’m doing my best and your support means a lot!
July 29th, 2010 - 02:31
Awesome work man. I mean, I like golden wrenches, but I think the other engineer unlocks are better. Oh, and, I reckon that you’ll get something better by doing this. Not that it’s about that, I just think good people get rewarded.
Just…. Awesome.
July 29th, 2010 - 05:57
I never thought anyone would do that. This is an amazing idea! (Though I’m suspecting Robin Walker planned to do this from the beginning for some reason.. Clever, I must say XD) I’m personally very much against rare items, because I know if there is something that is rare, everyone wants it. The ones who don’t get it will forever live in envy to the people who did.
Unfortunately I’m not able to donate, but I hope you raise a lot of money with the destruction of the golden wrench. After all, what worth is virtual gold if you can donate real ‘gold’ to a good cause?
I’ll make sure to watch my HUD on August 31st. :3 Best of luck to you!
July 29th, 2010 - 09:36
I usually don’t give for charity as I’m underpaid but this time, after reading all the post, I decided to send.
This is brillant, TF2 is definitely one of a kind as a game and so is its community, and I’m proud to be part of it.
July 29th, 2010 - 20:11
I wasn’t able to give as much as I would have liked, but I managed to pitch in around 30$. I’ll see about tossing in another 100$ depending on my paycheck’s size.
July 29th, 2010 - 20:25
Any amount is appreciated, so thank you!
July 29th, 2010 - 21:55
While I cannot donate, I am posting info about this to my Facebook, Myspace, and several online chatrooms I participate in. Good luck on getting lots of donations!
July 29th, 2010 - 22:37
Awesome, thanks so much!
July 30th, 2010 - 00:30
Grand cause, I will fund it if I can despite not having a wrench of my own.
July 30th, 2010 - 11:03
“You deserve a medal!”
-The Soldier
Glorious cause, give those children a life!
July 31st, 2010 - 03:36
You are beautiful. I’m so glad that some wrench owners are able to pull their heads out of their asses and do something truly wonderful. Kudos to you. You are a fantastic person.
July 31st, 2010 - 07:59
As a Vega player in Street Fighter IV, I accept your comments on my beauty. Thank you.
July 31st, 2010 - 14:29
I can’t donate at the moment, but I’m spreading the word on twitter, facebook, livejournal, deviantart, and roosterteeth.com!
August 1st, 2010 - 06:22
Truly a great idea, I wish you the best of luck with the donations.
August 3rd, 2010 - 17:15
Pointless. Do you really succumb to peer pressure on everything like this?
August 6th, 2010 - 07:31
OI!this is a very important thing! IMAGINE HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE STARVING.A HELL LOT OF THEM.AND THEN THIS HELPS THEM AND YOU DISS THIS.YOU ARE THE SELFFISHEST PERSON I KNOW ONLINE.IF I WERE A TF2 ADMIN ID WIPE YOUR ENTIRE BACK PACK AND DONATE YOUR WRENCH IF YOU HAD ONE
August 8th, 2010 - 07:15
It appears someone has no bloody clue what Child’s Play is.
August 3rd, 2010 - 17:20
Cheers, and best of luck! :D
August 3rd, 2010 - 18:22
it’s actually pretty funny that you talk about the curse of the wrench cause I have it too, I have this old computer with an old video card and It’s a bug or it’s because my hardware is @direct X 8 I’ve never seen my engineer hold it in his hand I see the normal metal one and when i kill someone with it people just disappear also it’s like that with any dead body once they die they disappear, at least I can hear the custom dialog.
August 3rd, 2010 - 20:26
What number Wrench do you have?
August 3rd, 2010 - 22:07
WTF IM GONNA FIND YOUR ASSES AND RAPE THEM I CRAFTED YEARS WORTH OF SHIT AND GOT NO WRENCHES YOU JUST DELETE THE MOTHER FUCKING WRENCHES! DAMN YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DAMN YOU TO HELL!!!!!!!!!
August 3rd, 2010 - 22:39
LOL, and this, gentlemen, is why the entire event was worthwhile.
August 5th, 2010 - 13:33
This reminds me of that group that went around at the release of the PS3 and XBox 360, getting in line to be the very first person in the door, and then smashing it in front of the rest of the line. They wracked up quite a donation each time. I don’t know that they ever donated to charity, though.
August 13th, 2010 - 11:08
You just used the power of charity to break someone’s brain.
I think someone wins an internet, and a donation.
August 4th, 2010 - 12:03
That’s what happens when you gamble friend. YOU took the decision to craft all your stuff for a tiny chance to find an in game item, not anyone else.
Kudos to you Wing, keep up the good work.
August 3rd, 2010 - 22:34
How do you even destroy the wrench?
August 3rd, 2010 - 22:40
Simply click “delete” in the inventory screen.
August 4th, 2010 - 00:55
Hello from all the boys at PHL, we salute your noble efforts good sir! Feel free to drop by and have a chat on the newspost’s forum topic: http://forumplanet.gamespy.com/in_the_news/b48785/20297875/p1
August 4th, 2010 - 12:58
I feel like they should wait until the trading system hits so they can auction them off to the highest bidder for charity. Way more money for the kids! However that won’t happen before child’s play. Well I’m off to donate. Crush the wrenches!!
August 4th, 2010 - 13:04
I considered it, but I also considered the crippling effects of Valve Time.
August 4th, 2010 - 13:07
what your doing now, would more that likely get more money than a single auction and selling to just one person.
Also it would probably violate a Term of Use policy with trading and selling an item
August 4th, 2010 - 17:52
The Golden Wrench was a neat idea, but it ended up causing a lot of unnecessary rage. If I’d have crafted one of the wrenches, I would’ve deleted it immediately. I had enough worry with the Cheater’s Lament, and I wouldn’t want to deal with similar worries over having a Golden Wrench. I’m sorry you and the others had to (and keep having to) deal with the spam and negativity over the wrenches.
At least something really good’s coming from this. Thanks for starting the Golden Charity. It’s an awesome idea! Why people are complaining about this, I don’t know. I’ll be donating as soon as I can. Too bad no one thought of something like this during the angel halo insanity.
August 4th, 2010 - 20:22
So, how’s it feel to join the group of people who have had their site temporarily killed by Valve linking to it? lol
August 4th, 2010 - 20:57
It’s fucking great! We got $1,000 in donations in like 2 hours!!!!!!!
August 4th, 2010 - 23:47
Now we just need some more global news networks to cover this fundraiser, which would definitely attract donations (though not necessarily through here). And it would get Valve more good attention. Not to mention it would be a blow to the people who think that games turn kids into raving, murderous lunatics…
August 4th, 2010 - 20:36
There is only one word to describe this…
Classy.
Classy for destroying the wrench to make those who didn’t get it feel better, and classy for finding a way to make it benefit a children’s charity.
Hats off to you my friend. “infinite wisdom” indeed.
August 4th, 2010 - 20:40
This is really nice! when i saw the Steam post that they are going to destroy golden wrenches for the children i couldnt bealive then i got to this site and was really happy that some people decided to destroy them for a big cause!
i cant donate but i wish you the best of luck!
August 4th, 2010 - 21:17
Wingspantt, having inspired me since your spy vids, I was always Impressed with what you’ve done, (and the featuring my video on your site made me squeal like an excited fangirl) but this… its just bloody amazing
My noble pillar of hats Salutes you!
August 4th, 2010 - 22:14
Wow! Just saw this on the tf2 blog and it is honestly one of the coolest things I have seen done within the tf2 community in well…I think ever. Huge kudos to everyone donating and everyone helping generate those donations by destroying their treasured wrenches. This just made me really glad that I am part of the tf2 community, even if I am just a tiny part, and I def will be donating! BIG UP WiNG!
August 4th, 2010 - 22:27
I cried.. Wish I had a Golden Wrench. I’d destroy it for this cause! :D
August 4th, 2010 - 23:35
here, have 11 bucks
August 5th, 2010 - 00:05
Brilliant creative idea, and brilliant cause. Makes me proud to be a gamer. Good work mate. :)
August 5th, 2010 - 00:07
Ive posted about this on my clan’s site. We are a small group, but each of us is willing to help in some way, whether it be donating or just spreading the word.
August 5th, 2010 - 00:13
You Guys are doing a good thing for those kids. I would’ve done exactly the same thing when i get the money i will be donating $20 and Destroying all my items just for this cause. I wouldve gotten a golden wrench but my tf2 game bugged up and i had to reinstall it.
August 5th, 2010 - 00:14
WiNG, you’re a great man for doing this. You have my eternal respect and best wishes on this. Fantastic job on getting over $10,000 for the charity! I’d donate if I could, but do know I’m telling everyone I know about this to help you out.
August 5th, 2010 - 00:27
This is awesome. This is clearly the best thing that I’ve ever seen come out of exclusive items from a video game. I saw your thread on the Steam forums and was cheered up that someone (who I was subscribed to on youtube, even =D) was going to transform all this rage and hatred that had gathered into something for the good of charity. I saw all of the nasty replies and was saddened, but now I look at the page and see that you’ve raised over $10,000! Financial obligations hold me back from donating, but I’ll be certain to spread the word to everyone I know that hasn’t heard yet! May Artemis (the god of spying, if I’m not mistaken) bless you, WiNG!
August 5th, 2010 - 00:37
When I saw the T.A.N.K. (shameless plug: http://forums.steampowered.com/forums/showthread.php?t=1109214) I thought something to the effect of, “Hey, I already knew the TF2 community was amazing but I think this might take the cake for coolest idea ever.” After reading the article above, I stand corrected. I think it’s a fantastic idea to make something positive of this experience and as with another Child’s Play donation drive, the famed Desert Bus for Hope (http://desertbus.org/), suspect appealing to community malice will prove incredibly lucrative. I will be donating soon and wish you the best of luck in your endeavor!
August 5th, 2010 - 00:41
I leave my last $5 in my account to this cause. Thank god the TF2-blog mentioned it.
August 5th, 2010 - 00:56
I donated, but it pains me to see a wrench destroyed i would have donated more if it was to save it :), but seriously I will probably cry at each of the announcements as they get destroyed.
August 5th, 2010 - 01:37
This has to be the best thing I’ve seen all day, or possibly all week.
Best of luck and hopefully you can get a lot more than you have raised!
August 5th, 2010 - 01:48
Awesome that make my Wrench even more expensive when i sell it on ebay.
I hope more get destroyed. i cried vitory tears for every wrench destroyed you guys make me fucking rich.
August 6th, 2010 - 11:32
You really think you can sell it on ebay?
1. It’s against the terms of agreement, and you can have your account banned
2. How ya gonna sell it without trading?
3. You wont donate your wrench to a real cause like this, but instead use it for selfish gain?
For shame.
August 8th, 2010 - 07:16
A person i know already sold one for (amount witheld, 4 figure number), and the account (name witheld) works perfectly fine.
August 5th, 2010 - 02:05
WOOOW I can’t believe all of that..TopTierTactics, Valve, Ubercharged and much more are proving that we can do more than just gaming…WiNG you have a PURE heart i really wish u luck.
all i have to do is to visit this website (www.childsplaycharity.org) and choose which hospital to donate to right??
August 5th, 2010 - 02:51
Damn. It looks like those wrenches really are gold. I can’t help but wonder if other gold wrench owners will join in the smelting?
August 5th, 2010 - 03:17
Which country!?
August 5th, 2010 - 04:04
Wonderful, amazing idea! Awesome that you got on to Good Game – here in Australia too. Happy destroying!
Just a note – Child’s Play operates in hospitals in several countries around the world, not just in the US. Check out their website. http://www.childsplaycharity.org/index.php
Damn, I love this game.
August 5th, 2010 - 04:31
Sometimes communities of individual, herp derp and egoist players can show its best…
August 5th, 2010 - 07:06
Wow…just wow, I respect you wing…not just for destroying the damned contraption…but for all of this stuff (gratz on getting on good game, watch it heaps)…seriously amazing I salute you with my manly medal and plan to spread the word as fast as my stubby fingers can carry me.
P.S: I don’t have a credit card…or paypal…or anything like that so I paid a friend to donate for me =)
P.P.S: I’d like to thank you on behalf of the teamfortress community for not only doing this this amazing deed, but also for spreading the word, getting the whole TF2 community involved in something that means something!
P.P.P.S: You need wings, you need a pair of official valve made angel wings. so that all who see you know who you are and what you’ve done! If anyone argues I suggest they be thrown in a pot of boiling golden wrench so they may feel the sacrifice.
P.P.P.P.S: Also I hope you realize that by doing this you have inadvertently turned the image of the tf2 community into epic soldiers of peace and happiness…thus greater than all the other community’s until they do a massive charity event…COME ON! I DARE YA! HALO REACH HAS NOTHING IF THEY HAVE NO CHARITY!
August 5th, 2010 - 09:22
Hey.
I’m in the UK. But this is in dollars.
Can I donate?
August 5th, 2010 - 16:32
Paypal will automatically convert currency, so yest, you can donate.
August 5th, 2010 - 09:29
I just donatet 100$ :D hope you use them well
August 5th, 2010 - 10:04
Well, I’ve thrown in a dollar.
Sure, it’s only a dollar, but it’s something, yeah?
(I woulda put in more but after that dollar there’s like seventeen cents left in my paypal account :P)
August 5th, 2010 - 10:32
14,500 $ ?!?
Wow, Valve’s post really did something
August 5th, 2010 - 10:36
The widget isn’t showing for me, can you link me to the actual paypal page?
August 5th, 2010 - 11:37
If I donate 7.61 euros will it count as 10 dollars? (I used the currency convertor)
August 5th, 2010 - 12:47
Not sure but you could always try 8 euros to be safe!
August 5th, 2010 - 13:50
It’s a great thing you’re doing and I’m glad to see that the ratio of compliment to troll in the comments is higher on the compliment side. It’s amazing how much people will faun over something that doesn’t actually exist, so much so that it causes grief to those who own it. If the wrenches had come in a physical manifestation as well as the virtual one, perhaps on a mount, then I’d see the jealousy being valid, but over something intangible? What is the world coming to?
TLDR: I’m glad that you guys are doing something like this that will simultaneously benefit children with serious illness and deal a blow to the souls of TF Trolls everywhere. ;)
August 5th, 2010 - 13:52
I just donated $44.44 Canadian. Hoping to get spot #444.
Yeah, I like the number 4 if that wasn’t apparant. :P
August 5th, 2010 - 14:37
I’ll look 4 it soon.
August 6th, 2010 - 15:44
Fantastic answer. :D
August 8th, 2010 - 04:10
I’m sorry, but I seem to have taken slot 444 from you. No ill will was intended. :(
August 9th, 2010 - 03:49
It’s fine, I got slot #764 which has a 4 in it so I’m content with that. :P
August 5th, 2010 - 17:29
Lol, there only doing this to promote there self image.
Lolololololololololololololol.
There only attention whores.
August 6th, 2010 - 02:50
Yeah … damn them for raising > 20k$ for a good cause … you sir are an idiot.
August 5th, 2010 - 17:50
As the other person said, thanks for removing some of the wrenches from circulation, makes selling golden wrench account on eBay alot more profitable.
August 5th, 2010 - 20:05
just an FYI, each wrench is going for about $2400. (at 7:00 Pm central time)
August 5th, 2010 - 20:39
It was at $3500 when i donated last week. Now it’s at $19 000!!!
Good job everyone! And there is still over 3 weeks to go! xD
August 5th, 2010 - 21:14
I donated 20 dollars. It’s not much, but it’s all I can afford at the moment!
August 5th, 2010 - 22:06
Such a good idea Mr. WiNG!
I actually was scared to craft any items during the golden wrench time. But I decided that the chance was so slim Id get a wrench that I may as well make some scrap metal and pray I didn’t get one.
I was kinda hoping I did so I could complain that they gave me a Dumb Golden Wrench instead of scrap metal so I could craft my first hat!
… I still haven’t yet managed to craft the hat >.>
August 6th, 2010 - 00:43
I reported on the Charity too: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aNt6u-nDpVA
Cheers!
August 6th, 2010 - 00:49
Wow WiNG!! This is something very extraordinary that you are doing.
You have taken something, the golden wrench, that the community at large seems to hold as a blemish on the TF2 name and re-packaged it as a positive event. Not only that, but you are using this correction of gameplay to do some real, non-virtual, good in the world.
I am truly impressed with you and everyone else that supports this movement. I will be donating and spreading the word as much as I can.
Thanks to all of you for helping to uphold my faith in the generosity and kindness of the gaming community!
August 6th, 2010 - 00:50
Thank you for your incredibly kind words and support! Cheers!!!
August 6th, 2010 - 02:13
This is really great. Making the virtual a reality. WiNG, you are definitely a “credit to team.”
I posted a thread about this on my gaming community’s forum on July 25. The admin made an announcement about it on the front page.
This reminds me of another charity event by people on LoadingReadyRun. They raised money for Child’s Play by playing Desert Bus for days at a time.
August 6th, 2010 - 11:35
Aww. You stole my “Credit to team” joke. XD
August 6th, 2010 - 03:16
WiNG, You deserve the praise from valve for doing this contribution to the whole charity thing. I myself – Was inspired into donating, Unfortunately I am to young of age and I cannot use any credit cards.. I earned a slap to the face for asking, but you sir? You’re doing everyone a huge favor by helping those poor children. I hope everyone else can see what it means to be a true hero of the gaming community.
August 6th, 2010 - 03:31
Oh and mind changing my former email to this?..The other didnt work.
August 6th, 2010 - 06:14
You know what? Screw it, I WILL donate!
There’s another 2 weeks remaining, which is plenty of time to gather some money.
However I’m pretty damn sure I don’t have a paypal account, can’t I donate without one?
As for the golden wrench…to be quite honest I far prefered keeping the Sandvich instead :9
August 6th, 2010 - 12:07
Yes, indeed you can donate! To the left of Paypal’s login box, there’s a link to allow you to pay using a credit card. Just click the blue Continue link.
August 6th, 2010 - 06:28
This is amazing what you are doing, how the hell did you come up with such a great idea anyhow?
It would be funny if everyone but one person donated their wrench to the cause. That one person would recieve so much crap from everyone.
August 6th, 2010 - 08:34
how people can think an in game virtual NOT REAL item can be worth more than helping a kid in the real world baffles me endlessly. heres hoping a few more wrench destructions will happen for more good causes
John Doe
August 6th, 2010 - 12:33
People suck, sometimes. Get used to it.
However, sometimes people don’t suck. Wing, i would like to say that even though i don’t even PLAY TF2 (would like to), i will seriously consider donating. and if i cannot, i WILL pass this on to ALL of my freinds.
keep on rolling…
August 6th, 2010 - 11:50
Too bad I cannot donate, because neither I have PayPal nor a credit card.
Though I hope I can help with this:
http://www.pcgames.de/Team-Fortress-2-PC-87420/News/Team-Fortress-2-Spendenaktion-von-Spieler-organisiert-766722/
It is an article on the website of Germany’s most successful (afaik) PC gaming magazine.
August 6th, 2010 - 12:35
Congratulations on reaching $20,000 ^_^ Let’s try and get to $50,000 :)
August 6th, 2010 - 12:53
i hated the idea of the golden wrench, i love the idea of children getting to have fun in their sickest days… im giving two donations since i really really hate the golden wrench(i was a fool and crafted all my items), and hospitals suck and children need as much weight lifted from their shoulders, even if thats in a fromm of playing video games!
August 7th, 2010 - 03:21
I actually have an emotional connection to these sort of charitys, my little sister suffered from alot of pain as a kid so I always donate to these sort of things
August 7th, 2010 - 08:12
There seems to be a problem with the amount of money display.
I’m only seeing $4,140 on the widget in the top-right of the page.
August 7th, 2010 - 08:14
Disregard this, it displays the full amount in Firefox.
August 7th, 2010 - 08:41
Really love what you’re doing mate
If I had a Credit card I would certainly donate
August 7th, 2010 - 12:08
Good stuff, man, giving gamers a better rep.
Also, that’s SimBroadway off of SimCity 3000 at the beginning, and the SimCity Theme at the end.
August 7th, 2010 - 14:02
How well this is going makes me really happy. Bajo is a legend for mentioning it on Good Game
August 7th, 2010 - 18:53
Donated as well…
Today, I too am a Hero…
The Gaming Community stands and opposes all those who spoke ill of it (look at you, Mr.Thompson) insinuating those who play games are violent, cruel or perverted… today, so called gamers have placed a smile on the face of many children across 6 nations.
We’re setting a new high-score.
PS: I am aware that the high-score line is cheesy as hell.
August 7th, 2010 - 21:22
dads being a bitch cant donate sorry wish i could
August 7th, 2010 - 23:43
I’m about to donate $10, and I’m kind of excited. :D (don’t have much money though)
Just a question, how do you know who we are to invite us to the steam group and how do you see who donates? The donate widget doesn’t say anything.
P.S. My steam name is the same as my name here.
August 8th, 2010 - 01:08
email me with your full real name and a working link to your steam profile
August 8th, 2010 - 00:55
By destroy, does that mean craft into something else or completely discard?
August 8th, 2010 - 01:07
DESTROOOYYYY
August 8th, 2010 - 09:05
id like to see the wrench being shot down by a heavy, syringed by a medic, set on fire by a pyro, getting force-a-natured by scout, blasted by engineer, sniped by sniper, backstabbed by spy, and getting blown up by the demo at the same time, while the engineer is sitting back playing his guitar, enjoying the show. gratz on raising so much. il donate if i can.
August 8th, 2010 - 13:04
WING your like a son of god tath helps these childrens tath touchs me in the heart it even changed my moms mind and she now likes a little bit more this game (she hated the game as hell) because of this great charity work i will try now to give some money to this project and LETS DESTROY SOME WRENCHES!!!!
PS: yeah my name is my account name….. i wanna destroy some wrenches baby!
August 8th, 2010 - 16:15
I congratulate all of the people with the wrenches that are willing to destroy them, i dont have a wrench and i dont have the ways to donate, but i support your cause 100%
P.S: The name you see is my steam nickname, and for some reason i cant remember my account name (Im on vacation right now)
August 8th, 2010 - 18:20
yes this is all very good but i only have one questoin why are we getting rid of the wrench?
August 11th, 2010 - 17:53
Why do I even reply to this?
As you could have read in the text at the top of the page, and in several comments, WiNG and 7 other great people are going to destroy useless computer data, and turn it into something sick kids can use to forget about their problems for a while.
If you still dont understand, even WiNG himself can’t help you.
August 8th, 2010 - 23:06
Omg i think this is very awesome :D not only are you destroying a very rare item…your helping kids :)
August 9th, 2010 - 03:43
Wow…. Cant believe a limited wrench that everyone has been trying to find, will be turned into hope for children. You WiNG… deserve a <3 from all the people you help.
August 9th, 2010 - 04:15
And that’s another $15 for this event. It’s not much, but every bit helps children.
August 9th, 2010 - 06:22
……wow….. nearly 25 grand…..off a virtual item….
thats just amazing.
If i could donate, i would, If i had a wrench to blow up, i would. But i dont. all i can give is my support. and hope that you manage to get up to 20 wrenches *cause that’d be an awesome even number to kill off, plus an extra 10 grand at least.
Keep up the good work guys
August 9th, 2010 - 11:56
Well i think thats just stupid >_>
ph well i dont care what am i doing here
August 9th, 2010 - 16:54
You are an amazing person to have taken something so simple and turned it into something so complicated and helpful. Believe me, if I had money I’d donate. If I had a wrench, I’d destroy it. Though, I have neither so I will help spread the word to my fellow TF2 players and help in any way I can.
August 10th, 2010 - 12:59
Almost 27,000 that’s awesome! Go Golden Charity!
August 10th, 2010 - 15:31
I am so sorry that I cannot donate :(
Don’t be me! Donate!
August 10th, 2010 - 18:04
$8000 more within 5 days for a total of $27 000. The Midas touch seems to extend to the real world also!
August 11th, 2010 - 08:17
Donated 5$. It’s such a little price for such a great target.
Every dollar counts! Donate as much as you can – it’s not about the quantity, but the quality!
August 11th, 2010 - 16:09
I donated $10 to the charity, So can I be invited to the group? My username is ZK0RP10N
August 11th, 2010 - 17:49
almost 30k dollas!
August 12th, 2010 - 18:59
You Sir, are an extraordinary human being. If I had a golden wrench I don’t think I would be able to give it up. I’m sure the children who get these donations will be very appreciative of you and everyone else who donated. I salute you.
August 13th, 2010 - 06:11
Attention whoring. Brilliant.
August 13th, 2010 - 19:59
Yeah, giving up a virtual item that has caused more hate than love in a gaming community, just to help out a group of sick children is attention whoring… only in your mind sir.
It is shame though that I can’t donate, as money is pretty tight in my family’s house, though I will at least watch this unfold with great interest.
August 14th, 2010 - 08:38
I’m trying to think of ways to spread this beyond the groups of people who have already heard of it. I can’t donate, but I really want to help spread the word.
August 14th, 2010 - 22:42
There’s a spray with all the Golden Wrench Charity info on it you can download, then spray it just about everywhere :3
Other than that, just go ranting about it everywhere like I do! Blog it, Forum it, Post it, Chat it, Digg it, Like it. The choices are endless.
August 15th, 2010 - 03:46
Hey WiNG!
Just donated $50 for you! I have been following Child’s Play for a while now and I think what you are doing is absolutely brilliant and the fact people are getting so riled up over something that exists only in virtual space is kinda sad, but there will always be downers!
Glad you are getting coverage on the TF site too, thats effing awesome – will definitely be spreading the word as much as i can for you.
Cant wait to see the message in TF2!
~Adam
August 16th, 2010 - 13:45
a little help 7$ :D
August 16th, 2010 - 16:06
At the Moment I am 15, and cannot use the computer I normally use for TF2. I have never seen a Golden Wrench and yet got a friend to try and get one for me.
Even so, this old computer is much more than many people have. The moment I convince my Mom this isn’t a scam (She’s odd that way with Charities) I’ll be Donating $21.
Here’s hoping my PC is fixed before the wrench slaughter
~TurboPunz
(PS, Friends: Told)
August 16th, 2010 - 19:47
YO
WiNG you rock dude im about to donate im cant believe someone would do this when i saw your thread 1 month ago ( i love the steam forms) i wonder how many frend requests you have had.
Now we just need some more global news networks to cover this fundraiser, which would definitely attract donations (though not necessarily through here). And it would get Valve more good attention. Not to mention it would be a blow to the people who think that games turn kids into raving, murderous lunatics…
dude true just true you rock we need to get the word out that video games are not evil ROCK ON BOTH OF YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!
August 18th, 2010 - 19:22
haha thanks! I try my best to rock as hard as possible at all times.
August 19th, 2010 - 12:24
Shouldn’t you update the spray? If you already answered this question in a previous comment, then sorry.
August 20th, 2010 - 15:12
I believe I only have $3 in my paypal. Best use I could possibly find for it, I suppose.
Thank you for doing this, WiNG (and others). It’s always good after a frustrating day of hacker-filled MW2 (fuck you, Activision/IW) games to see something like this.
August 20th, 2010 - 15:17
Sorry… account should be: WNxShisno
Thanks again!
August 20th, 2010 - 21:22
OMG!! 29.000
well you have so much donations! good luck there! i cant donate sadly…
August 22nd, 2010 - 18:40
30,000.
Win.
August 25th, 2010 - 17:56
epicly
August 26th, 2010 - 13:50
Why must you destroy your wrench to give money to charity? You know how many times I tried for a wrench, I find the symbolism stupid…just donate money.
August 26th, 2010 - 14:20
Because it was a great incentive to get people to donate. Also, it’s hilarious.
August 30th, 2010 - 21:14
It’s trolling is what it is. Way to send a positive message.
August 26th, 2010 - 13:53
But seriously, I find it awesome your doing this for a good cause, I donate to charities myself but seriously….fuck you that wrench is awesome.
August 28th, 2010 - 09:04
helper dragon, that is the most dick comment I’ve seen. These guys are destroying 13 virtual rare items for $30,000 real dollars for a charity. That’s $2,300 a wrench! You could buy tf2 115 times for each wrench…But I know you would’ve kept the item instead of donating $2300 to a good cause. No one cares if you were dumb enough to destroy your items when you liked them trying for a wrench.
Kudos to the 13 wrench destroyers
August 31st, 2010 - 22:05
sorry i cant really see the wrenches get destroyed, but bad computer and other things…
September 1st, 2010 - 01:11
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XicP4XKvBEw
heres a vid.