Charity Idea.......

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 8:58 PM PST

[EDITOR'S NOTE: This is a wonderful idea by capper3. I'm definitely on board with it. I can even start collecting donations through my PayPal account (send to blez - at - athleticsnation.com) I'll need to investigate the Oakland Boys and Girls Club, but this is definitely a worthwhile cause and at the same time, would get some young kids into the A's and help fill up the stadium. I'm in for $100. - Blez]

Almost Reggie got me thinking. I want to buy season tickets to the A's to show my support both on the field and at the bank account. Two problems, I can't afford to buy season tickets and I live in SoCal. So I thought it would be a good idea to pool some AN philanthropists cash together for a pair of season tickets and donate them to some Oakland charity. This way AN could directly "put our money where our mouth's are" and maybe recruit some young A's fans in the process. The particulars would be hashed out: what charity, how would ANers give, etc. I picture giving the tickets to a Boy's and Girl's Club or an shelter where low income mothers or fathers can bring their child to a game. I do not know Oakland, so I would need some help with this one and of course would put it out for a vote. I would hope that the criteria would be which charity/organization can be trusted to give the tickets to those who can't get them on their own regardless of the charity's political/religious affiliation. The question should be who can be trusted.

I think two plaza level season tickets will cost about $3,000. If 100 of you give $30 that should do it. I know that there are 100 among us who can afford that. As the one proposing this idea I will pledge $300. That leaves 90 more pledges of $30.

What do you think AN? Update [2006-1-26 0:46:48 by capper3]: Don't forget to recommend this diary if you think its a good idea so that others see it. Thanks

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Comments

The only charity that I can think of right away is

volunteers of america. When I lived in Oakland they were on 14th St. near downtown. I like that idea. I would contribute if we could find a responsible group to help.

Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest! - Rickey Henderson

by haren4prez on Jan 25, 2006 9:16 PM PST reply actions

Volunteers of A. I'll look into them.

But what do they basically do?

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 9:26 PM PST up reply actions

I can give $10

I'm only an unemployed college student...

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:20 PM PST reply actions

$30 is only number to work with...

all donations accepted obviously. Thanks NE.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 9:24 PM PST reply actions

let me know how it all works out

and everyone else, C'MON now, surely you've got a little something to give? I'll bet this is an easy tax deduction, too.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:36 PM PST up reply actions

I'll cover Nebraska's other 20...

I'm good for $50 if this can be put together in a way that doesn't make my Paranoia Nerve twitch too much... ;)

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 25, 2006 9:40 PM PST reply actions

Sweet.....

and of course we would figure a way to put all at ease before $ is distributed.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 9:43 PM PST up reply actions

hey, i appreciate it

that's going above and beyond.

i wonder if we could convince Blez to put a counter/total up on the sidebar, and perhaps set up an escrow paypal account, to help ease everyone's internet paranoia.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:46 PM PST up reply actions

Appreciate the enthusiasm NE....

these are the kind of ideas that will make this work. Keep'em comin'.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 9:48 PM PST up reply actions

what I may lack in money

I'll make up for in enthusiam for a good cause. I'd love to see this happen.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:50 PM PST up reply actions

details, ideas...

FYI, the Plaza season ticket package (the top notch one) costs $2,788 for every home game. Since it comes with postseason ticket rights, perhaps a random AN member who donated $30+ would get those rights, as a way of encouraging people to donate, like a raffle?

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:57 PM PST reply actions

link

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/oak/ticketing/oak_ticketing_season_tickets_info.jsp

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 9:58 PM PST up reply actions

yeah, I think Plaza Club plan is a good one

because it includes a $10 meal voucher with each ticket.

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 25, 2006 10:05 PM PST up reply actions

$10...

good for a drink and half a hotdog?

Seriously, though, that's not a bad deal. That's $810 worth of food over a season.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:08 PM PST up reply actions

Plaza Club

I saw that and the did think the food would be a great addition (what ballpark experience is complete without a dog?) but I thought it would be harder to come up with the 5K. Maybe if the response is good we could raise the expectations.

I also think the playoff tickets would be a great idea. Raffle them to a donor. Fantastic stuff guys.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 10:12 PM PST up reply actions

yea

I had a brain spasm. for a minute i forgot that the idea was two tickets, not one.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:15 PM PST up reply actions

d'oh!

I did, too... :\

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 25, 2006 10:27 PM PST up reply actions

you know...

you could get two of the "on deck" level plaza club tickets for the same price as two lower plaza tickets. it's a tradeoff on games, but you get a nice seat and a $10 meal ticket each. would a charity have the ability to send 2 people to every home game, or likely just half of them? I like the idea of a meal ticket, as it cuts costs for the people who get the tickets. I like the idea of 40 games a year, since then it doesn't put the charity in a position of having to send someone to a game every day, some weeks. It's a tossup, I'd say. I think it'd be something to be decided on by watever charity is picked, since the cost to us (for donating) is the same.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:20 PM PST reply actions

Food ticket...

I'm thinking that this is more and more necessary as the idea is to give these tickets to folks who won't have an extra $20 bucks lying around to spend on food at the park. And it does take some of the strain of giving away tickets to A's games...as crazy as that may seem to us.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 10:25 PM PST up reply actions

Already got money in my mouth, but...

I'm already a partial season ticket holder, but I think this is a great idea and would be worth my $30 to help create future A's fans and to show the team and the world how great the AN community is.

Since I already have rights to playoff tics, if I win the raffle I'll sell them and donate those proceeds to charity as well.

How about making this a competition between season ticket holders and non-season ticket holders to see who donates the most?

by david32 on Jan 25, 2006 10:22 PM PST reply actions

good ideas

this needs to start building some steam. by my count, there's been $390 pledged so far by the following users:

capper3 - $300
Nebraska - $10
Poppy - $50
david32 - $30

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:27 PM PST up reply actions

it just occurred to me

hey capper, why don't you keep a running total and list of donations in the diary? also, when the diary gets old, it can be a part of the DLD, and it can be updated as needed. I think AN can get this done.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:29 PM PST up reply actions

THIS is getting done!

And I will keep the tally and list of donors. NE--you are officially my partner in this endevour. :)

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 10:31 PM PST up reply actions

glad to be

of service. I'm committed, I'll do what's needed. I just emailed Blez, actually, looking for an official AN endorsement and what I had commented on earlier, the homepage counter and escrow account.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:38 PM PST up reply actions

Hey! You forgot me!

Haren4prez - $30

Lou Brock was a great base stealer, but today, I am the greatest! - Rickey Henderson

by haren4prez on Jan 26, 2006 11:16 AM PST up reply actions

Charity.....

I don't know if this would be feasible for the target donees, but would a shelter for battered women and their children work? Of course there would be problems, like if the woman had more than one child, but I'd like to see some program where the parent is linked to the child creating some recreation time together instead of survival time.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 10:35 PM PST reply actions

great idea

I like the thought of less fortunate kids getting out to the park, and something like that would help them have some quality time with a parent. it's tough with only two tickets, but that's out limit as of now, i suppose. maybe Blez can call up BB and get the front office to match our donations in terms of seats? as in, if we get enough to buy 2 seats of 40 games, they would contribute the tickets for another 40 games of 2 seats?

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:40 PM PST up reply actions

40 more games or maybe another ticket....

so that one adult and 2 kids could go together. I can't imagine some deep pockets exec out there wouldn't pony up for one more ticket if we came up with the cash for 2 tix.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 10:48 PM PST up reply actions

good PR, too

for the club and AN...

OAKLAND, CA - A website devoted to fans of the Oakland baseball team, the Athletics, today donated two season tickets to a local charity. Team GM Billy Beane remarked at how impressed he was with the fans. He in turn announced that Oakland management would match the donation, and provide for BART passes for the charity's selected attendees each game. He also announced the signing of Barry Zito to a 4 year extension.

Ah, I can only wish...

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:56 PM PST up reply actions

Headline:

"Zito says fans inspired a real "hometown" discount."

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:04 PM PST up reply actions

You sob, I thought that was real !

YOu got me. I read 4yr contract and my eyes lit up. LOL...

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King

by sf drift king on Jan 26, 2006 3:02 PM PST up reply actions

Mu cousin . . .

is the HR Director for a battered women's shelter. I'd be happy to talk w/ her about this or should I wait until we, as a group, decide on the who, what, where, etc.?

by camperdog on Jan 26, 2006 12:43 PM PST up reply actions

I'm in.

Let me know the details. You can email me.

I'll try not to swear.

by Tony on Jan 25, 2006 10:53 PM PST reply actions

thanks!

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:56 PM PST up reply actions

that puts us around $420, I think...

$450 if haren4prez is serious in the first comment

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 10:57 PM PST up reply actions

I've got $30 for a good cause ...

Check out some awesome music ...

by devo on Jan 25, 2006 10:59 PM PST reply actions

awesome. Thanks!

that's up to $450/$480 now. we're 16-17% of the way there already!

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:03 PM PST up reply actions

Just read Saints run into Rickey thread.

I'm smiling from ear to ear.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:06 PM PST up reply actions

yea, i read that too

what a story. I've never had the pleasure of being within a hundred miles of rickey...

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:14 PM PST up reply actions

We really do need to bring back Rickey for a day.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:07 PM PST up reply actions

$450 and its Wed. at 11pm.

24hrs from now we could be more than halfway there. I'm excited.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:03 PM PST reply actions

Off to bed. Keep the ideas/suggests/pledges comin!

Thanks AN!

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:08 PM PST reply actions

suggestions

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 25, 2006 11:09 PM PST up reply actions

i'm off to bed, too

1:15 here in Lincoln, i do have class tommorrow I should go to... later, folks, keep those donations coming, this is going to be great!

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:15 PM PST up reply actions

what the hell.

If you guys can organize it, I'm in for $30. It would be nice if we could get a corporation or two (or three!) to match our donations.

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Jan 25, 2006 11:09 PM PST reply actions

Let's make everyday AN day at the 'ol ballpark

Joe Blanton is phat

by gojohn10 on Jan 25, 2006 11:11 PM PST up reply actions

awesome, thanks

if i lived anywhere near oakland, i'd go talk to some local businesses, but I don't think lincoln businesses are too keen to donate to a place 1600 miles away... anyone else willing to make some calls?

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:13 PM PST up reply actions

running estimate

$480

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:34 PM PST up reply actions

I think this is a great idea

Does anyone have any connections with the local Oakland Boys and Girls Club? That would seem to be the most appropriate place to look.

by Tyler Bleszinski on Jan 25, 2006 11:17 PM PST reply actions

I thought the same thing

and it's right around the corner from me on High Street. I know that they've distributed free tix from time to time that people have donated (when they can't go themselves). I would be willing to check into it as a possible place to donate the tix.

This is a good idea, capper. Count me in for $30.

by Brian in 317 on Jan 26, 2006 6:43 AM PST up reply actions

Capper, Excellent idea !

Count me in for $30. This is something I would be proud to contribute money to.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King

by sf drift king on Jan 25, 2006 11:25 PM PST reply actions

thanks!

running estimate: $510

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:34 PM PST up reply actions

i'm in too

i'm also willing to make a donation for this cause. i love that u came up w/this idea! i think that this would be truely a great thing for AN to accomplish!

Nick's an outstanding defensive first baseman...He's going to want to talk and he'll drive people nuts. They won't want to get to first base if he's there-Beane

by F171615 on Jan 25, 2006 11:26 PM PST reply actions

thanks!

running estimate: $540

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:34 PM PST up reply actions

I'm in for 30...

I'm also an unemployed college student, but you wonderful taxpayers are paying for my education, so I think I can give back a bit.

If you guys need a PayPal account to collect donations, I've got one of those too.

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 25, 2006 11:46 PM PST reply actions

thanks!

running total: $570

as for the paypal account, I have one also, but I think it'd be in the best interest of everyone if someone everyone knows and trusts (no offense) like Blez would establish some sort of escrow for the donations, such as an AN paypal account that we could contribute to.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:51 PM PST up reply actions

Offense taken...

Now I'm only in for $29.99!

:-)

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2006 11:43 AM PST up reply actions

Count me in for $30.

...and once this get off the ground, we should try to get a little PR (for AN and Blez) from one of the A's TV outlets to interview the lucky Fans for the Day between innings on TV. And I have a strong feeling that Nebraska's sudden vision of

"Team GM Billy Beane remarked at how impressed he was with the fans. He in turn announced that Oakland management would match the donation, and provide for BART passes for the charity's selected attendees each game" could become a reality. [But maybe not the part about "He also announced the signing of Barry Zito to a 4 year extension."]

by robertmelvin on Jan 25, 2006 11:52 PM PST reply actions

thanks for the pledge

running total: $600

What I really want is for tis to get enough sincere donations for it to happen. If there's some positive media attention, it's just a bonus. If that leads to the aforementioned BB ticket scenario, it'd be great icing on the cake.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 25, 2006 11:58 PM PST up reply actions

Hmm

I can chip in $10. If I see one of you guys at FanFest, I'll gladly give it to you then.

"Try getting drunk 4 nights a week and going out to pitch 9 innings. That's an athlete to me." - David Cone

by JLaff on Jan 26, 2006 12:54 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $30

You should talk to Chris at the Green Stampede. He's hip to the worthwhile charities in the area.

Barry and the "Intangibles"

by Duke of left field on Jan 26, 2006 12:57 AM PST reply actions

http://www.greenstampede.com/

Tell him what you are up to and I'm sure he can come up with suggestions.

Barry and the "Intangibles"

by Duke of left field on Jan 26, 2006 1:00 AM PST up reply actions

My first thought

Reading this diary and the comments was, why not get the the A's to open up the upper deck for charity groups for some games. Only charity groups would be up there, they could have, essentially, as many seats as they want, basically free.

They wouldn't have to do it every night either, maybe once or twice a month.

by timed exposure on Jan 26, 2006 2:49 AM PST reply actions

time to hang up those spikes

they aren't going to open up the upper deck until games are getting sold out with the limited seating. Believe me, the A's administration aint feeling as charity-minded as we are.

by Brian in 317 on Jan 26, 2006 6:47 AM PST up reply actions

in

i'm in for $30 as well and i agree that we should swing it so that it is one adult and 2 kids from a charity organization

by thefosseposse on Jan 26, 2006 7:36 AM PST reply actions

I'd be willing to contribute $30

I think this idea has legs. I agree with whoever made the suggestion about finding corporations willing to match. Otherwise, while we'll still be doing a great thing, we won't have much scope.

A Beane in the hand is worth $60M in payroll

by jeepers on Jan 26, 2006 8:10 AM PST reply actions

Fantastic idea

I'm good for $150.

Why does everybody stand up and sing "Take Me Out to the Ballgame" when they're already there? ~Larry Anderson

by lansfords1 on Jan 26, 2006 8:11 AM PST reply actions

Above and beyond, but that's the spirit! Thanks..

Carney.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 26, 2006 8:46 AM PST up reply actions

Suggestion

The A's community fund has official charity's, they may have a way to dispurse the tickets for you (I think they support local police & fire). Also the A's visiting clubhouse manager is hooked up with Cure Autism Now. I am sure they have many families there who would love a respite. Also look into the local Walmarts as we come into make a difference day, they have grants from the Points of Light foundation, you might be able to upgrade those seats with a little extra $.

while I'm GM, I'd get the black uniform tops back into the mix, make high socks mandatory and add a beer tap in the press box-Mychael Urban

by jb on Jan 26, 2006 8:32 AM PST reply actions

What a pleasant surprise to wake up to!

Thanks to all for the support. I can't spend to much time today as I'll get fired and there goes my donation. But I will get back to the tally and organize all of your ideas in a post/new diary this evening.

I thought this could happen, but this big of a response this soon is fantastic.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 26, 2006 8:44 AM PST reply actions

And a quick tally looks to be about $850!!!!!!!

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 26, 2006 8:45 AM PST up reply actions

And it aint even Christmas.

People still give after the holidays.

"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere." Martin Luther King

by sf drift king on Jan 26, 2006 3:06 PM PST up reply actions

i'm in for $20

by drudown on Jan 26, 2006 8:59 AM PST reply actions

I'm good for $30

Great idea!

Keep us up to date with when/where to pay.

Thanks!

by Mission1929 on Jan 26, 2006 9:06 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $30

I love this idea.

by SportySpice @ Athletics Nation on Jan 26, 2006 9:20 AM PST reply actions

$50 from me

add my name and e-mail address to your list.

Has anyone thought about contacting the A's front office, let them know what we are doing, and seeing if they will give us a discount so we can buy more? Or, perhaps do some kind of matching donation?

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 26, 2006 9:32 AM PST reply actions

i'm in for $30!

A's fans are awesome. =)

"you know it's way cooler to be an A's fan" - billy beane to larry krueger

by gotgreen on Jan 26, 2006 9:39 AM PST reply actions

Great Idea

count me in for $30

Bill Stoneman is about to be offered three seasons of a right-handed version of Vladimir Guerrero - Rev Halofan

by pickinmachine on Jan 26, 2006 9:41 AM PST reply actions

Fantastic idea....

I'll go the $30.00 bucks. Don't know what you guys think, but instead of pressing the A's for a matching donation, why don't you press them for some sort of meet and greet with a player or something along those lines. That kind of experience would really stay with a kid for a long time.

"You may glory in a team triumphant, but you fall in love with a team in defeat."--The Boys of Summer

by alox on Jan 26, 2006 9:42 AM PST reply actions

The Donald is IN !!

Put me down for $60 for now and just let me know where to mail it.

Nice going everyone.

by TahoeDon on Jan 26, 2006 9:49 AM PST reply actions

I love it...

I'm in for $50.

Let's be serious... That's one night out on the town that I'll have to sit out. I can sacrifice that.

by booya on Jan 26, 2006 9:52 AM PST reply actions

I'm on board

You can count me in for $30 - and I hope all of you that get to attend fanfest (I'm in SoCal) have a great time, and that there'll be some diaries on the events...

by SD Erik on Jan 26, 2006 9:58 AM PST reply actions

AN is wonderful!!!

Count me in for $30 at least.
Let's make sure we have a foolproof (as much as that can be) way to get the tix distributed...the Community Fund, the A's Booster Club, Oakland Boys and Girls Club.
What an outstanding idea! Kudos to Capper3 and Blez and all of AN for supporting this.

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Jan 26, 2006 10:04 AM PST reply actions

i'm in for fiddy ...

this is a terrific idea. let me what button to click. also, i'm down if y'all want to make this an annual thing. living in santa monica now, but representing skyline high ... thanks AN!

by mookyee on Jan 26, 2006 10:05 AM PST reply actions

make that $100 ...

i charge my company at least that much while reading AN at work - especially during the season ... heh heh

by mookyee on Jan 26, 2006 10:29 AM PST up reply actions

Capper, great idea...

I'm in for $30...

by high street on Jan 26, 2006 10:07 AM PST reply actions

Representing

Nothing better than a little baseball w/ someone you love...Colorado is Representing.

$30

Cheers,

June 19th - June 21st, 2006 ** Oakland Athletics @ Colorado Rockies ** Lets Go Oak-Land!

by Colorado Fan on Jan 26, 2006 10:10 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $30

Once I ran to you. Now I run from you.

by LowcountryJoe on Jan 26, 2006 10:32 AM PST reply actions

You should be fined an extra $30

For the gratuitous use of Soft Cell lyrics.

The children shouldn't be exposed to the same dangerous mistakes we made in our youth.

by Mission1929 on Jan 26, 2006 11:07 AM PST up reply actions

Not only Soft Cell lyrics

but from Brendan Donnelly's theme song, "Tainted Glove".

by green star oakland on Jan 26, 2006 1:47 PM PST up reply actions

I'm in like Flynn!

I'll do a minimum of $30.

I might even do more, depending on if I get a nice tax refund. Please, Mr. Government, give me my money back! It's for the children! (and a new TV) :-)

~ Matt

Macha Lekka Hi - Macha Hiney Ho!

by Vaillant on Jan 26, 2006 10:39 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $60.

Maybe we can get four tickets to some/all games if we get enough money. Kids like to go with their friends.

"Why do they call it the 'A's Replay'? It's always just 'The First Good Thing to Happen to the A's'". ~ArakSOT, 7/14/05

by rich @ Athletics Nation on Jan 26, 2006 10:40 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $30

Great idea!!

oaktowngold@yahoo.com

by oaktowngold on Jan 26, 2006 10:51 AM PST reply actions

$50 here

I can deal with waiting on a new video game or have another reason to NOT continue my YGO addiction (I need more of those, really).

Question: Wouldn't the kids need a chaperon with them to the games? Or would the A's handle that part of the deal? (i.e. have a staff member keep watch).

by Kaiser99 on Jan 26, 2006 10:57 AM PST reply actions

I think the idea...

...is for at least one kid to be able to go with a parent (or maybe Big Brother/Sister?)... not just groups of kids.

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 26, 2006 10:59 AM PST up reply actions

Good idea...Big Brother/Big Sisters program

"Listen, my attitude is a whole lot better when we win..." Our favorite GM

by LongTimeFan on Jan 26, 2006 11:06 AM PST up reply actions

I'm in for $30

paypal sent!

by goldenA on Jan 26, 2006 10:58 AM PST reply actions

Just sent it in!

Seriously... who can't afford 30 bucks (that is if you have a job)?

Another amazing way to bring A's fans closer together & create new ones. athletics nation is the bomb!!!!

Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking. -Dave Barry

by davebenfremont on Jan 26, 2006 11:15 AM PST reply actions

I'm in

$30, no problem.

Great idea!

by Jeff in Seattle on Jan 26, 2006 11:18 AM PST reply actions

$30 just sent

Thanks capper3!

I second the Big Brother/Big Sister suggestion ...

by KJ on Jan 26, 2006 11:20 AM PST reply actions

I'm in for $20

Paypal's on it's way to Blez.

by oaklandpride on Jan 26, 2006 11:37 AM PST reply actions

holy moly

by my rough count, we have $1820 pledged so far. That's incredible.

I just sent my pledged amount, don't forget to send yours. send it to blez -at- athleticsnation.com, as Blez posted on the front page.

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 26, 2006 11:43 AM PST reply actions

Just wanted to let you all know...

I did a blog post about this over at my blogpad. I hope it helps bring in a few more dollars.

(Obligatory Warning: My blog is otherwise political in nature.)

Off to make my PayPal donation...

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2006 12:03 PM PST reply actions

okay, that explains my failed attempts...

...to put the screen name "HigherPie" into a baseball context... LOL

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 26, 2006 12:22 PM PST up reply actions

Well...

Instead of GNP, think of "The Pie" as "OBP". We ought to make that higher, right?

There, baseball. :-)

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2006 12:55 PM PST up reply actions

Paypal rookie

I'm not a frequent paypal user, it's been about a year since I've paid anything that way. What do I choose for Category of Purchase? Goods(other) or Service?

by david32 on Jan 26, 2006 12:26 PM PST reply actions

i just put 'goods'

but I guess it could be considered a service as well. I don't think it really matters which you select.

by high street on Jan 26, 2006 12:41 PM PST up reply actions

I chose "Service"

...since I'm not receiving goods.

My first choice had actually been "Quasi-cash," but it then gave me a warning that my credit card company might consider it a "cash advance" (and therefore charge higher interest/service charge). So "Service" it is! (Blez is providing the service of gathering all the money and finding a distributor, right?)

"You don't look up truthiness in a book, you look it up in your gut." ~ Stephen Colbert

by Poppy on Jan 26, 2006 12:42 PM PST up reply actions

I put "quasi-cash"

Meaning I'm not getting a good or a service (i.e. donation).

I'm not sure what the tax implications are for Blez accepting these donations under his name... I hope he's not going to be on the hook for $3000 extra income.

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2006 3:57 PM PST up reply actions

In

I will commit for $30. Very very great idea.

by lurkerD on Jan 26, 2006 12:57 PM PST reply actions

Lonestar likes to speak in third person

Lonestar will commit $90. What's the tally so far?

comb the desert!!!

by lonestar on Jan 26, 2006 1:23 PM PST reply actions

Blez says...

$800 of ACTUAL donations so far.

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 26, 2006 1:26 PM PST up reply actions

Don't Forget Me!

I'll contribute $30 as well. Capper, you da bomb.

If it will help, my friend's mom works in the A's Front Office. I'm sure she can put us in contact with the right people regarding request about publicity, ticket matching, player meet-and-greets, etc. Don't expect too much from them, however. As it's been pointed out, they have their own charities they support and I'm sure they have charities calling left and right asking for favors. I say this from personal experience, without going into detail...

If you have anything specific and you can't find a contact, please email your request to almostreggie AT fongnet.net (tweak that address to make it work, of course).

"That dude's out of his tree." ~Barry Zito on Mark Ellis's hitting streak

by almostreggie on Jan 26, 2006 1:28 PM PST reply actions

I believe

we have just barely under $2000 in pledged donations so far, with $800+ actual donations made to Blez's paypal account.

This is amazing progress for less than a day, keep it up!

--The Pastime--

by Ryan Armbrust on Jan 26, 2006 1:33 PM PST reply actions

Hey Guys! This is ridiculous!

I haven't even sent my $300 to Blez yet and there is 800 in. Crazy. This is definitely faster than I anticipated. Way to go, AN! When I get off work I'll start organizing a pledge list and start the legwork on picking the charity, etc.

Thanks again, AN.

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 26, 2006 1:45 PM PST reply actions

I will send in too..great cause.

the great playoff miss of 2004 followed by the good try of 2005 with no more hex in 2006.

by ak_A on Jan 26, 2006 2:21 PM PST reply actions

Alt

Capper3, brilliant idea. I posted this in Blez' diary but as this is the main idea thread I figure I'll add it here as well - just a thought that weekend tickets for more kids rather than a pair of full season passes might go farther. I'm especially thinking of the mid-week games in April/May and Sep when school is in session, it might be tough for kids to always go. And if we bought weekend plans, we might be able to get as many as 6 or 8 which would be pretty cool. I just think it may be worth asking the recipient organization which plans would get more use.

Great job AN with a mighty fast response.

by sslinger on Jan 26, 2006 2:33 PM PST reply actions

So fast I didn't see your post before

posting 2 spots lower

Besides Barton has there ever been a ROY at DH?

by A s Eh on Jan 26, 2006 10:32 PM PST up reply actions

Count

$30 more. It will be "actual" in minutes...

by stewbaby on Jan 26, 2006 7:03 PM PST reply actions

On Deck vs Grand Slam Tickets

April-May-Early June week night and day game tickets may be reason enough to consider the A's On Deck Plan.

You get 40 games instead of 82 that are basically friday night - Saturday - Sunday (Last year also included Monday Holidays I beleive)

Two great factors;

You get 4 tickets for the price of 2
You get rights to 4 post season tickets.
(I lied about the two) A group of 4 kids is twice as much fun
School (& homework) friendly

Put me down if I can mail a check or use a credit card.
<Don't like PayPal>

http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/oak/ticketing/oak_ticketing_season_tickets_info.jsp

Besides Barton has there ever been a ROY at DH?

by A s Eh on Jan 26, 2006 10:30 PM PST reply actions

I'll match your $300 capper3

great idea! Sorry I haven't read all the posts, but I note the alternate ideas to season tickets--and while creative and good ideas, my $300 would be only for the full season ticket option. I think that is what the A's need, and I would love to see a group of kids looking forward to each of those games.

I hope you will post a diary that tells us how to get the money in. I haven't been able to keep up with AN due to work schedule, so I might need that. Though I assume Blez or Nico could look up my email if I hadn't responded.

I'm serious though, like capper3, and really would like to support this great idea.

by alamedaman on Jan 27, 2006 5:45 AM PST reply actions

Three cheers...

For alamedaman!

The Higher Pie

by HigherPie on Jan 27, 2006 9:55 AM PST up reply actions

capper3, want a $500 match program?

Please approve this, as you may not want to take this offer, or maybe there wouldd be some site issue that Blez would know of. But I love this idea, and would match dollar for dollar the next $500 (new dollars--already given wouldn't count of course because we're trying to get to the goal. But if you wanted to have anyone wanting to double the impact of their donation, I'll definitely do this.

But maybe the best way to initiate this is to have you and Blez approve, and then set up the system that would work--it could be as simple as posting a comment approving this, and taking the first $500 donations under that posting

Let me know, but I'm happy to do it if you think it would help.

by alamedaman on Jan 27, 2006 6:02 AM PST reply actions

Alamedaman....

Absolutely! If you'd like to make all posted donations from this point forward, up to $500 that would be welcome. This would definitelyhelp us reach our goal. This is a serious donation, so thank you very much. Let the matching begin!

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 27, 2006 9:57 AM PST up reply actions

On that note...

I'll thrown in an extra $50, Alamedaman.

Let the games begin. :-)

"Put a Milo on him." -Billy Beane

by kaweahkaweah on Jan 27, 2006 10:19 AM PST up reply actions

Clan McFood is in for $30 plus...

After mentioning it to my family last night, my 10 year old daughter Elizabeth asked if it was ok if she donated an extra $10 out of her birthday/Xmas money. Of course I said ok. That kid has a heart of gold, I tell ya'.

$40 more for you to match, Alamedaman, and good on ya', mate!

"Keep the juices going by jangling around gently as you move." - Satchel Paige

by McFood on Jan 27, 2006 10:53 AM PST up reply actions

Well that's just too sweet ...

I proposed on another blog that I contribute to (and is quite a good read, if you're into politics from across the spectrum) that we have a reverse matching fund for Elizabeth. Everyone, whether you have donated already or not, would donate an extra $10 to match her donation. If a ten-year-old can afford $10, you probably can too.

Which is to say, count me in for an extra $10.

Check out some awesome music ...

by devo on Jan 27, 2006 11:32 AM PST up reply actions

Wow, devo...

You're a good man.

I hope that other little thing you're saving up for works out well. If not, you can always do what a guy I work with did when it fell through...

He bought a Corvette.

"Keep the juices going by jangling around gently as you move." - Satchel Paige

by McFood on Jan 27, 2006 1:27 PM PST up reply actions

Nah ...

my parents just did a good job of making me feel guilty when I don't feel like I'm doing enough ...
; )

And thank you. I'm optimistic that it will turn out well. And so far I've done a reasonably good job of not spending too much money. But, no matter how thrifty I am, I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have enough for a Corvette. I'm 24 and still working at my first job out of college so two months' salary is a disappointingly small amount. Hopefully I'll find the new job I'm looking for soon and, on top of getting me up to Sac, where she is, will have the added bonus of speeding up the saving process ...

Check out some awesome music ...

by devo on Jan 27, 2006 1:31 PM PST up reply actions

If I'm reading between the lines correctly...

the big question is coming. Good luck. Sorry to stick my nose where it don't belong...

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 27, 2006 1:53 PM PST up reply actions

Feel free,

the more noses the merrier ... or something like that ...

Yeah, a couple of days ago I mentioned that I won't be able to spend much frivolous baseball (or anything else) related money for a while because I am saving up for a large ticket item, which happens to be a diamond ring ...

Check out some awesome music ...

by devo on Jan 27, 2006 2:51 PM PST up reply actions

Congratulations.....I think. ;)

"Don't you play the flute, Huddy?"

by capper3 on Jan 27, 2006 2:54 PM PST up reply actions

I've got plenty of saving ahead of me ...

before any congrats are in order ...

Check out some awesome music ...

by devo on Jan 27, 2006 2:56 PM PST up reply actions

A note from Elizabeth...

Devo, thanks for starting the reverse matching fund. I just wanted to donate $10 but I didn't know a pledge would happen because of what I did. My Dad said that it was really nice of me to donate an extra $10 so that a kid that's not as fortunate as me can go to a baseball game. Dad said that a kid might be thanking me some day.

-Elizabeth (Beth)

"Keep the juices going by jangling around gently as you move." - Satchel Paige

by McFood on Jan 27, 2006 5:08 PM PST up reply actions

my pleasure capper3. I think your idea is

fabulous from a number of perspectives, and I'm really happy to support it and AN.

by alamedaman on Jan 27, 2006 1:54 PM PST up reply actions

Count me in!

Since Alien was graciously sent me two free FanFest tickets, I'll contribute the $20 I would have spent to help a good cause! You, sir, are a good man!

"I was the ugliest girl I've ever seen." - Noah Lowry

by Melody on Jan 27, 2006 3:56 PM PST up reply actions

word to this!

I live in Cincy, but I will help. I wish I could give more, but I am not doing well with the dough situation now and have a young son....but this is a great cause! I'll throw in $30 bones.

Keep us posted.

by asch on Jan 29, 2006 4:59 PM PST reply actions

Great idea

I'm in for $30.

"It's not how people vote that matters, it's who counts the votes" -Stalin

by boatshoes on Jan 30, 2006 11:18 AM PST reply actions

Way to go capper3

I just pitched in yesterday. I am in SoCal as well. What a great idea to support the team and support charity. Maybe I'll see you at the Big A one of these days.

by easyraider on Feb 2, 2006 8:38 AM PST reply actions