A Note Of Gratitude From Kurt & Renee Suzuki
As AN tries to raise money for the Jon Wilhite Recovery Fund, I got the nicest email from Kurt & Renee Suzuki and wanted to pass it along for all to see. Here's what the Suzukis sent along Tuesday evening:
To Tyler, Nico, Staff & Readers,
My wife and I want to express our deepest appreciation for the time and effort spent to help Jon Wilhite's cause and our fundraising events. We have noticed that many wonderful staff members of Athletics Nation, like Nico, have gone far and beyond their call of duty, taking it upon themselves to help raise funds for Jon Wilhite. These actions define your true and generous character that are impossible fake.
A few weeks ago, the Wilhite family stated my wife and I were their heroes. After experiencing the support we have received, we feel it is only necessary to extend that compliment to you. Without the help of Athletics Nation, it would have been impossibly to educate people about his miraculous story as well as our efforts towards assisting with medical expenses. You're our heroes, you do so much, but ask nothing in return. We sincerely thank you so very much.
Kurt & Renee Suzuki
I want to urge you, if you plan to participate but have not yet done so, to put it on your priority list - my hope is to send a batch of donations along next week (though we will continue to accept donations for as long as they come in). We are emphasizing participation; any amount is fully appreciated, and remember that the first $100.00 worth of $5.00, $10.00, and $20.00 donations will each be matched so that the donation doubles. Donations should be sent to:
Jon Wilhite Recovery Fund c/o
1152 Euclid Ave.
Berkeley, CA 94708
{check payable to: Jon Wilhite Recovery Fund}
This article, on Monday, had the following update from the arraignment of Andrew Gallo, the driver of the car that collided with the car in which Wilhite was riding:
While waiting for Gallo to appear, 24-year-old John Wilhite, the lone member of Adenhart's group to survive, began to sob. Wilhite, who had critical injuries in the wreck, was embraced by friends and family. Wilhite, of Manhattan Beach, was hospitalized for weeks for "internal decapitation," a rare and often fatal separation of the skull from the spinal column.
Wilhite, who played baseball from 2004-08 at Fullerton, has since been discharged from the hospital and is undergoing outpatient physical therapy.
He came to the arraignment in a wheelchair but was able to get up and enter the courtroom under his own power, albeit with an unsteady gait. His head was closely shaved and had a long scar at the base of the skull.
Thank you to those who have already sent donations in and thank you to those who will. It's for a good cause.
2 recs |
61 comments
|
Comments
I'm writing a check tonight and it'll be in the mail tomorrow
Thanks for putting this together, Nico!
"And Julio Franco is batting right-handed!" -- Wayne Hagin, A's radio play-by-play, mid-80s
by Nick on Jun 11, 2009 7:26 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
My pleasure, and gracias of the mucho variety for your participation!
Whoever you are.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 11, 2009 7:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Andrew Gallo, the driver of the car in which Wilhite was riding:
it kind of makes it sound that they were in the car together. Still, it’s really good to hear that he’s getting better, and even walking.
Your 2009 Oakland Athetics: This time, it's personal.
by Kallus on Jun 11, 2009 7:40 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Whoops - that was a "cut and paste-o"
It’s fixed.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 11, 2009 7:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
it sounds like he's already made some remarkable progress...
and I hope that he continue on and fully recovers. I will also send a small contribution out tomorrow. I only wish I could match donations as well. It’s really sad that this Gallo character didn’t know that of all the places where one can enjoy a draft beer in a bot-tle, the driver’s seat is NOT one of them. I’ll try to pass along the address along if I find any willing baseball fans or any generous people of means.
Your 2009 Oakland Athetics: This time, it's personal.
by Kallus on Jun 11, 2009 8:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately,
it was revealed today that Courtney Stewart, who was driving the car in which Adenhart, Wilhite, and Pearson were passengers, was also found to have a BAC; however the amount has not been determined, and her BAC is not believed to be relevant to the crash.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 11, 2009 8:19 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the prosecutor
says she doesn’t think its relevant. That is not necessarily true. It might be relevant and it isn’t her call.
Things are going to suck for all those involved for a long time.
by Future Ed on Jun 11, 2009 8:41 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yup.
And she was under 21. Since any BAC over .01 is illegal when you are under 21, that means at .06 she was 6 times over the limit. How awful for everyone involved.
Call it the Suzuki Theory: "Throw ball over plate. Repeat."
by smokelanda on Jun 12, 2009 10:13 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check that - CA changed it's law
The limit for under 21 is .05. So she was still over the limit, but just barely. I know this is tough for the family to take, but in my mind this makes the incident more of an accident and less of a criminal offense by Gallo. Both parties in the crash picked up keys and drove a car when it was illegal to do so.
Call it the Suzuki Theory: "Throw ball over plate. Repeat."
by smokelanda on Jun 12, 2009 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Trials are public and info about a lot of stuff about the non-defendants comes out.
by Future Ed on Jun 12, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My personal opinion:
If one party is still doing everything else legally except for having a BAC, then I believe they are not in any way at fault for the specific incident at all.
Relevant example… Stewart may have also had a BAC, but she did not run a red light and did not do anything else to cause this.
You can hold the person responsible for having a BAC themselves… although in this case it would be moot since she died also… but I do not believe her BAC should in any way factor in unless it can be shown that it was a literal factor.
I know the law doesn’t agree with me, and I know lawmakers are trying to discourage drinking and driving any way that they can, but I still prefer to place actual blame and consequences with the party literally responsible.
I could prove God statistically. Take the human body alone - the chances that all the functions of an individual would just happen is a statistical monstrosity.
~George Gallup
by UncleLeo on Jun 12, 2009 2:52 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with you.
Plus, Gallo was driving on a suspended license and fled the scene. Throw the book at him.
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 12, 2009 3:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
In a perfect world,
this would be true. But if I’m Gallo or his lawyer, I just breathed a huge sigh of relief. It throws a lot more ambiguity on the whole thing and makes the victims appear less victimized. With both drivers legally intoxicated, it becomes more of a freak accident with both parties partly responsible (the defense might say a sober driver would have seen the drunkard barreling down the street and not proceeded into the interaction), rather than a crime in which a crazed, drunken punk mowed down the All-American golden children. In a sense, it changes everything while changing nothing at the same time.
Call it the Suzuki Theory: "Throw ball over plate. Repeat."
by smokelanda on Jun 12, 2009 4:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
UncleLeo, here's the thing -
Many people aren’t aware of the significant difference it makes to be at 0.03% BAC or 0.06%, even when you may not be “legally too drunk to drive.” The stats show that the chance of being in an accident are 2-4 times higher when the driver’s BAC is between 0.03%-0.08%, due to the decrease in the driver’s alertness and reflexes.
Now it’s entirely possible that in this particular accident, Courtney Stewart could have done nothing to prevent the severity of the collision or the collision itself. But it’s also entirely possible that it could have helped for Courtney Stewart to be operating at full alertness and full reflexes. We just don’t know.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We just don't know, but it's doubly sad to me...
…if she was concentrating so hard on the road; trying to stay within the lines, and the speed limit, etc, it is not above the realm of possibility that she might have missed the van barreling through the intersection, where as a completely sober driver wasn’t worried about themselves; and could have a better look at outside factors.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 12, 2009 5:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately, there was another driver
at that intersection, who looked both ways as the light changed. He saw in his peripheral vision the car going 90 miles an hour, and he held back, didn’t go forward. Courtney Stewart went ahead.
It doesn’t help the victims, but I have to ask…
Why is it necessary to sell any car that will exceed the speed limit?
What possible good can be generated by a “mini-van” capable of NINETY MILES AN HOUR???!!
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 12, 2009 7:08 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
a point to consider is that
vehicles have to have enough acceleration to be safely operated, whether it’s on the freeway on-ramp or just passing a slow-moving truck. The power that generates this acceleration also means a higher top speed. The burden falls on the driver. With great power, comes great responsibility.
Your 2009 Oakland Athetics: This time, it's personal.
by Kallus on Jun 12, 2009 10:21 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Absurd supposition about acceleration
the Volkswagon 1200cc engine, with 40 hp was adequate to power that car to 70mph, but only faster downhill. No problem with a 1960s VW accelerating to get on the freeway, esp compared to a DTW (double tank wagon) tractor and two trailers. All fwy onramps now are designed so that slowly-accelerating trucks can get up to speed.
Let’s face it: sales are made by demonstrating acceleration. Sales sales sales is the ONLY reason for high acceleration and a high top speed. Sales. What good is a BMW “electronically limited to 140mph”?? No one can safely drive it even 100mph on a public road..
I haven’t passed anyone on a two-lane road in fifteen years. Everyone is going the speed limit or more, or pulling over, or the highways have been converted to two-lanes each way.
“The burden falls on the driver” doesn’t bring anyone back to life, or correct the situation, OR prevent future accidents.
There is 100% no justification for a vehicle that shares the road with many, very unaccomplished drivers (at any time on average, ten percent of drivers have taken some alcohol), to be able to exceed seventy mph.
"It is the mark of a truly intelligent person to be moved by statistics. " GB Shaw
by One won lost won on Jun 15, 2009 9:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I had a really time reading that
With both drivers legally intoxicated, it becomes more of a freak accident with both parties partly responsible (the defense might say a sober driver would have seen the drunkard barreling down the street and not proceeded into the interaction), rather than a crime in which a crazed, drunken punk mowed down the All-American golden children.
I’ll admit I was the first one to think of the situation exactly like that until I heard this latest news; and for me, the fact that she was driving not completely sober changes things somewhat for me. If nothing else (i.e. if a totally sober driver might have been able to have better reflex time), she could have been the one who plowed into another car and caused some other innocent family to be hurt. She’d be in the exact same situation as Gallo was, except she would have also injured the passengers of her own car.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 12, 2009 5:51 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If Stewart's family is rich and Gallo's family is poor,
then this little factor could become a big one if Adenhart’s and Wilhite’s families come looking for damages.
As for punishment, I don’t see this helping Gallo much. He’s in a heap of trouble regardless.
Another legal/financial ramification of Stewart’s BAC is if she had any sort of insurance coverage on herself. Being in violation of the law might disqualify a claim.
"Go ahead and overachieve, you scrappy Brett-Favre-colored walk-takers." —Rev Halofan
by iglew on Jun 12, 2009 5:01 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check payable to?
I’d like to send a check but I notice 2 spellings of Jon/John Wilhite? Not sure if this will make a difference, but I’ll send something along tonight or tomorrow. Thanks Nico (and the Suzukis), for organizing this!
by streetfan on Jun 11, 2009 8:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Check payable to "Jon Wilhite Recovery Fund" - I'll add that to the post above
In their message, Kurt and Renee refer to “Jon,” which is how I have seen it spelled. It would get cashed either way, though.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 11, 2009 8:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
and another word
don’t drink and drive.
period.
All of you, me included.
And even sober, remember it’s ok to be 5 minutes late, really. It’s not that important to get there before that guy in the blue mazda, seriously.
by MobiusKlein on Jun 11, 2009 8:45 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
this times infinity
Seriously.
Get your ride planned out before you go party. And if you can’t find/afford a ride, seriously, stay home. No party is worth it.
"You end up with a name like ‘Outman,’" he said last week. "What else are you going to do? You’re going to get people out, man." ~ Dallas Braden
by Blicks on Jun 11, 2009 9:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
It's just not worth it. Either situation, and it's worth a reminder for all of us.
Plus no jumping off the line on a green light. Always, always look around first.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 12, 2009 5:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Check going in the mail tomorrow
Losing this team would be a huge failure for this city and an affront to Oakland’s great sports legacy.
by skigurl on Jun 11, 2009 10:03 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I'll be getting something in the mail tomorrow
Are these checks coming to you to group together, Nico?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jun 11, 2009 10:43 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yes. I'm planning on sending a group of checks on
as soon as it looks like the flurry of checks has come in. I’ll tabulate them first and report back on how we did, and then I’ll send another group (of the straggler checks that trickle in) after that.
That’s my plan: Flurry + Trickle.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 11, 2009 10:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Okay
I’ll keep what I’m sending private at this point, then.
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jun 11, 2009 11:04 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Is there any sort of paypal account
that members could send payment to? Although writing and mailing a check isn’t difficult, it seems as though there would be a much greater response (primarily for convenience). Perhaps a trustworthy member of the AN staff could setup an account for this purpose? I would gladly do this myself, but I’m sure the AN community would feel more at ease with it being someone with a higher status on AN. Just a suggestion.
In addition, stamps have become fairly expensive. If there is significant participation, the postage paid could become a surprisingly high figure. I would much rather see that money go to someone who could really use it instead of the post office.
by AEP2007 on Jun 12, 2009 12:44 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Unfortunately a % of it would go to PayPal
and they’re more evil than the post office, IMO.
Wisconsin's #1 A's fan!
by Kelly on Jun 12, 2009 7:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
If someone wants to use PayPal instead of mailing a check,
we will absolutely set it up for them. I have asked baseballgirl if she can help with that (I think she has an account set up) as I don’t use PayPal. Once I hear back from her, one of us will post the info.
We went the check route, instead of the PayPal route, based on consensus feedback from readers at the time of the first announcement, but there’s no reason we can’t do both. Just to make sure everyone’s clear, though, 100% of your check will go to Jon Wilhite, whereas only most of your PayPal donation will.
But I’ll get back to folks ASAP on the PayPal issue.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I can take Paypal donations, and give Nico a check from the account
I’ll itemize who sent me what, so everyone gets credit. He can send a receipt to each person, so they know the money was sent. Paypal costs about $1 per every $20 though…I’d be happy to cover that, so we get the full amount.
"Bobby Crosby at third is a bit of an adventure. And not like, here’s some hidden treasure, what fun. More like, gah! poison ants!" --alea iacta est
by baseballgirl on Jun 12, 2009 5:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The generosity of the people on this site never ceases to amaze me.
Its why I love it and you all so much.
by lynnzgal on Jun 12, 2009 6:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, and bbg that's a neat and creative way
to make a donation – cover the PayPal fees. We’re generous and we’re smart!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 6:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm not worried about a receipt.
I have faith in you and Nico to do the right thing.
by AEP2007 on Jun 13, 2009 4:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Not that this affects me sending in something...
…but do you know if it’s tax deductible?
Last of the Ninth - Photography Site / jamesvenes.com - Blog
by Flashfire on Jun 12, 2009 8:22 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I actually don't know, I'm sorry.
I’ll find out and let folks know.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 8:26 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Sent a check today
But its coming from my bank’s billpay function, so it says it won’t get there til 6/18. Hope that’s soon enough to be included with the rest!
by train80 on Jun 12, 2009 9:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Absolutely fine, of course!
I probably won’t even send off the first batch until after then anyway, just knowing that checks will be arriving at different times. And again, any donation received any time will always be forwarded on with gratitude.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 10:30 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Initially I wasn't going to donate, because I honestly didn't have any extra money
(I’m on the top ramen diet for a while.)
But… I got some back-pay from unemployment :) Can’t think of a better way to use it, and I’ll be mailing a check tomorrow.
witty remark
by dtownmbrown on Jun 12, 2009 9:10 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Woo hoo! Thanks - and remember,
for those who aren’t in a position to make a donation that feels sizable, ANY amount is FULLY appreciated as your way of just PARTICIPATING. And the smaller amounts will double, thanks to those matching $5, $10, and $20 donations.
I would honestly rather get 100 $10.00 checks than get one check for $1,000.00. It means more people “stepped up to the plate” to participate – and enough small donations will add up big anyway.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Based on that
I changed my donation from $1,000 to $50. Check is in the mail. For real this time.
I'm here to talk about the past.
by 67MARQUEZ on Jun 12, 2009 10:36 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
just dropped the check in the mail.
by inbillywetrust on Jun 12, 2009 10:53 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Broke college student over here.
But I’m going to get together what I can and send it over as soon as possible.
I have a bright future ahead of me; I get to finish school, start a career, and do whatever else I please along the way. Everybody in the crash, including Jon Wilhite, may not have the same opportunities I do. If I can help Jon reach any sort of goal and or capitalize on any possible chance at a normal life again, I’ll do it.
We all deserve to have that opportunity.
"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith
by Boonee on Jun 12, 2009 11:20 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Thanks so much just for participating at any level
You can send the additional millions later.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 2:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Good reminder!
I ended up as expected- forgetting to write and mail a check.
by fruitattack on Jun 12, 2009 12:51 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
'Tis our pleasure to harass! I mean remind.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We needed reminding.
I kept meaning to write a check and had not. I was feeling guilty and this got me to quit procrastinating and to get it mailed. Thanks for the reminder, Nico the Nag. :-)
by IM4Oakgal on Jun 12, 2009 2:50 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
We're all busy. I don't mind nagging when it's for a good cause.
Like the A’s winning, or chocolate for me.
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 4:45 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Donation
Check written and will be mailed tonight.
by oaklandbbfan on Jun 12, 2009 3:24 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Awesome - thanks so much!
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 12, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And PayPal'ed.
PayPal’d? Whatever, haha. The money has been sent!
"You're just jealous. You wish you had a rally animal..." -CardinalWraith
by Boonee on Jun 13, 2009 2:32 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Woo hoo! Thanks muchly
I like Cindi. A. She never pretends to know more than she does. B. She has unbridled enthusiasm for her "Hotties," and isn't afraid to show it. -IM4Oakgal
by Nico on Jun 13, 2009 7:27 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs



























