Markiplier Awarded Make-A-Wish Celebrity of the Year

Written by Tanner Banks, October 28, 2016, at 5:04 p.m.

YouTube certainly has come a long way. Years ago it was a crappy website with an unproven concept and a laughably easy to abuse algorithm. Today, it’s a good website with an intricate, but still massively abused algorithm. Got love them clickbait views!

Regardless, YouTubers with millions  of subscribers are creating massive fan bases and are their own kinds of celebrities. While the term “internet celebrity” has a negative implication, the people who run these channels are the people younger generations look to for their media fix.

And one of the most famous YouTubers kids go to, is Mark Fischbach otherwise known as Markiplier. Since Mid-2012 Mark’s Let’s Play channel has produced thousands of videos covering indie games, countless genres, sketch comedy, and other videos. While some have criticized Markiplier for his over the top reactions, excessive profanity, and usage of clickbait titles and thumbnails Mark’s impact has been sizable.

Markiplier’s Charitable Work

Since the early days of his channel, Markiplier has done many charitable livestreams. Originally on Twitch before moving to YouTube’s streaming service, Mark has raised donations for many causes. These charities are including but not limited to: Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance, and Best Friends Animal Society. According to his channel, Markiplier has raised $1,118,645.14 for charitable causes. Mark has also personally donated tens of thousands of dollars during these streams as well.

In addition to his charitable donations, Mark’s work with the Make-A-Wish Foundation is extensive. As of today, Markiplier has helped complete 13 wishes for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Two of the wishes that he granted were also put onto his YouTube channel: One with Patrick who is now on YouTube as shodleech and a video with Denell Gonzalez.

Unfortunately, Denell lost her battle with Leukemia in August. Thursday, Markiplier received the Celebrity of the Year award by the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He, voice actor Tom Kenny, and the Dallas Cowboys were given the award this year.

Mark has stated that he believes that he needs to do more to earn the award in the future. As of today, there is a planned charity live stream for November 19th. During his last charity drive, he and his followers raised $61,000 for MusAid with fellow YouTuber Musykerm.