Gini
Banditos Gaming Member Spotlight: Gini
Gini
At Banditos Gaming, we cherish the vibrant personalities that make our community special. This month, we're thrilled to introduce Gini Mathew, a creative soul from Nyack, NY, whose sharp wit, passion for games, and unique interests add a spark to every gathering.
Meet Gini
Hometown: Nyack, NY
Occupation/Field of Study: Assistant Editor/Coordinator for television
Favorite Quote: "The Sky giveth, and the Joe Taketh" – Proverb of Skyjo
Fun Fact About Gini: She’s her friend group’s resident Vampireologist. Yes, you read that right—ask her about it at your next game night!
Getting Into Gaming
Gini’s journey into gaming began with a mix of childhood classics like Clue, Carrom, and a variety of card games. But it wasn’t until her teenage years that her friend Owen introduced her to more modern board games, igniting a deeper passion for gaming.
Favorite Games & Current Obsessions
Gini has a penchant for games that combine trivia, dexterity, and a hint of playful mischief. Her all-time favorite? Therapy, a nostalgic thrift shop find that has become a staple in her late-night gaming sessions with friends. Though it’s hilariously outdated, the rabbit holes it inspires make every playthrough unforgettable.
Currently, Gini’s game rotation is as diverse as her interests, including:
Love Letter
Skyjo
Patchwork
Citadels
Lost Cities
Wits & Wagers
13 Beavers
Her love for exploration extends to game designers as well, as she delights in discovering new gems from creative minds across the gaming world.
Banditos Gaming Journey
Gini first stumbled upon Banditos Gaming through a serendipitous work email glitch. Unable to access her usual messages, she found herself reading updates from a branch overseas, including a board game group. Intrigued, she shared her envy with her friend Owen, who promptly invited her to join Banditos. From there, a new chapter in her gaming life began.
For Gini, Banditos Gaming is all about the vibe. The inside jokes, shenanigans, and shared laughs make every meetup an event to remember. Her first-ever Banditos experience was playing Sushi Go, where she may not have won the game, but she earned the title of Pudding Queen.
Building Community Through Games
Games, for Gini, are more than just a pastime—they're a way to connect with others, foster camaraderie, and learn new skills. One lesson she’s embraced from her gaming experiences? The importance of just having fun. Her advice to newcomers: "Invest in shelf space—you’re going to need it."
Beyond Gaming
When she’s not gaming, Gini expresses her creativity through painting and crocheting. She’s also an avid gamer in the digital realm, spending countless hours in Animal Crossing and Breath of the Wild. Her curiosity for language shines through in her ongoing journey to learn constructed languages on Duolingo.
Gini’s humor, enthusiasm, and unique perspective enrich the Banditos Gaming community in countless ways. Whether she’s uncovering nostalgic gems or claiming her rightful throne as the Pudding Queen, Gini exemplifies the joy of shared play.
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.