Thirty-two students played the XBox game “Halo 2” on Nov. 6 in Alumni Hall in a fund-raiser tournament hosted by the Computer Information Systems Club to benefit the Jimmy V. Fund.

The idea for the inaugural fund-raiser tournament originated from a weekly club meeting during which members were brainstorming ideas about possible community events it could hold. The club plans to host gaming tournaments next semester as well, said club president Bob Tordella.

The club chose the Jimmy V. Fund as the event’s beneficiary because “one of the club members had a relative associated with the foundation and the club agreed it was a suitable charity to donate their proceeds to,” Tordella said.

To participate in the tournament, players paid $5, all of which goes to the fund, Tordella said. The competition started with a double elimination format and switched to a single elimination format in the semifinal rounds.

Justin Pylypiw, a senior communications major, participated in the competition because “it was a good opportunity to do something fun with other students on campus and it is for charity. So I feel good about it, too,” he said. Pylypiw regularly plays “Halo 2” online with his friends, he said.

Steve Hupp, a freshman mass communications major, was attracted to the competition by the opportunity to face off against other serious-minded “Halo 2” players. He said he would have played in the tournament regardless of the fund-raising aspect but is glad the registration fee is supporting a cancer-research organization.

“You’re playing for a good cause,” Hupp said.

Brandon Cavanaugh, a vice president of the CIS Club, described the club’s inaugural fund-raiser tournament as a success, calling it “an overwhelming turnout.”

“Hopefully, we’ll be able to have more competitions,” he said.

Phillip Maddalena, the tournament winner, received a $100 gift card to Gamestop, an electronics store. Jaclyn Lalli, the second-place finisher, received a $50 gift card to the store. The Student Government Association allocated the prize money to the CIS Club.

The CIS Club has about 35 active members who meet on Tuesday at 9:15 p.m. in the CIS Lab beneath the Faculty Office Building to discuss issues pertaining to technology, said Tordella. For more information on the club, e-mail him at [email protected].