Much like cat videos and elaborate conspiracy theories, the internet has no shortage of weird, made-up holidays, with a personal favorite being Mar10 Day. Obviously, today, March 10th, is all about Mario–it’s right there in the name–but this year, Nintendo is doing something a little different.
Sure, you can celebrate with a special frame for your Facebook profile pic (available March 10 at 5 a.m. PT until March 12 at 11:59 p.m. PT). You can take advantage of some great MAR10 Day treats, like scoring select digital games starring Mario for 20% off on Amazon.com or some new Mario-themed My Nintendo rewards. If you’re headed to PAX East, you can even get in some time with upcoming Switch title Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. But the best part of this Mar10 celebration takes place somewhere rather unexpected.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation is a nonprofit organization that seeks to enrich the lives of hospitalized children by providing entertainment, education, and innovative technology. Today, Nintendo will be providing new designs for the foundation’s trademark Starlight Brave Gowns, allowing kids to trade in their drab, colorless dressings for patterns pulled straight from the Mushroom Kingdom. Nintendo of America will be giving a donation to the Foundation to help create 2,000 such gowns for this wonderful program.
So take some time today to spend with your family, your loved ones, and your favorite Italian plumber. And maybe, if the urge strikes, do a little something yourself to help brighten the day of a child in need.
