Fred Cabrera
Banditos Gaming Member Spotlight: Fred Cabrera
At Banditos Gaming, we celebrate the unique individuals who make our community vibrant and welcoming. This month, we are thrilled to spotlight Fred Cabrera, our Founder and Director of Gaming Operations. Fred's dedication and passion for gaming have been instrumental in shaping Banditos Gaming into the thriving community it is today.
Meet Fred Cabrera
Nickname/Gaming Alias: Fred
Hometown: Valley Cottage, NY
Occupation/Field of Study: Business and Art
Favorite Quote: "I don't know how to do that, but I'll just figure it out."
Fun Fact About Yourself: "I can make the best of any situation. I've been told that I make people feel safe. I can juggle for like 3 seconds."
Gaming Background
Fred's journey into the world of gaming began in his childhood. He fondly recalls joining a Dungeons & Dragons group during his pre-teen years, which sparked a lifelong passion for games. When life's obligations made regular RPG sessions difficult, he transitioned to board games, enjoying titles like Arkham Horror, Nuclear War, Talisman, and Cosmic Encounters.
As a self-proclaimed “Omni-Gamer,” Fred loves a variety of games but gravitates towards those with simple rules yet deep strategy, as well as heavier, more complex games that challenge his problem-solving skills. One of his all-time favorite games is The Castles of Burgundy, which he praises for its endless replayability and strategic depth. Currently, he is immersed in games like Agricola and Teotihuacan: City of Gods and admires designers such as Stefan Feld, Uwe Rosenberg, and the team of Gigli, Luciani, & Brasini.
Role at Banditos Gaming
Fred is not only the Co-Founder but also the heart and soul behind the day-to-day operations at Banditos Gaming. His responsibilities include overseeing gaming activities, managing events, planning marketing campaigns, fostering a positive community, and continuously assessing and improving gaming operations. His leadership and vision have cultivated a welcoming environment where members can connect, learn, and have fun
A Memorable Moment
Fred cherishes the moments when he looks around during a gathering and sees everyone bonding and having a great time. These instances, where the community thrives and members experience joy and connection, fuel his drive to continue creating and maintaining this oasis of fun and camaraderie.
Impact and Favorite Events
Through Banditos Gaming, Fred has formed many lifelong friendships, describing the group as more than just a board game club – it's a family. His favorite events are the weekly Wednesday gatherings, which provide a much-needed space for members to decompress and enjoy themselves after a long day. These gatherings set a positive tone for the rest of the week and often draw the largest turnouts.
Gaming and Community
Fred believes in the power of games to foster community development. He has seen firsthand how games can bring people from diverse backgrounds together, promoting leadership, cooperation, and problem-solving skills. His advice to newcomers is simple: "Just show up." The gaming community is welcoming and inclusive, and taking that first step to join in can lead to wonderful experiences and connections.
Outside of Gaming
Beyond his passion for gaming, Fred enjoys painting, outdoor activities, and staying fit. His creative and active lifestyle complements his dedication to fostering a vibrant and dynamic gaming community.
About Banditos Gaming
Banditos Gaming is a registered 501(c)(3) social and educational non-profit organization dedicated to promoting play, community development, and learning through games. We believe in the transformative power of games to unite people, foster growth, and provide valuable educational experiences.
Our Mission:
Promote the activity of PLAY through games.
Encourage COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT through play.
Advocate for LEARNING through gameplay.
We host board games, card games, and tabletop games at various Panera Bread locations and other venues. Banditos Gaming is funded by memberships, donations, and revenue from affiliates and partners like Panera Bread.
Values Statement:
Safety: Prioritizing a secure and welcoming environment.
Fun: Ensuring all activities are enjoyable and engaging.
Happiness: Creating moments of joy and satisfaction.
Comfort: Providing a relaxed atmosphere for all participants.
Memberships:
Monthly Banditos Gaming Membership: $5.00 per month
Yearly Banditos Gaming Membership: $50.00 per year
Join us today and become a part of a community that values play, development, and learning. Your support helps us fund various charities, including Tabletop Alliance, Child's Play, UnboxEd Afterschool Program, Meeples for Peeples, and Board Games for the Better.
Support Our Mission: Please consider making a donation to support Banditos Gaming and help us continue to provide a positive, inclusive environment where everyone can experience the joy of games.
Through dedicated leaders like Fred Cabrera, Banditos Gaming continues to thrive as a beacon of community and fun. Join us in celebrating the joy of gaming and the power of play to bring people together.