Through means of social media and crowdfunding, relief efforts accumulate for those involved in the December 2nd tragedy
Arturo Hilario
El Observador
Last week’s catastrophic “Ghost Ship” warehouse fire, where 36 people perished, has been met with sadness, anger, speculation and support. Many questions have been answered, but more remain about the circumstances that allowed a warehouse living space and art studio to become the location of Oakland’s deadliest fire.
During the weekend various fundraisers were created to help the Red Cross, the City of Oakland and most importantly, the families of the victims.
Of these fundraisers the largest monetary support has come from the Bay Area’s sports franchises.
As news began trickling in Saturday December 3rd, the Oakland A’s were first to twitter, posting at 11:00am “Our thoughts are with everyone affected by the #OaklandFire. We are Oakland. Donate to help.” A link to the crowdfunding website YouCaring was listed and the A’s offered to match the public’s donations, up to $30,000.
The Oakland Raiders followed suit and agreed to match the A’s funds, and when the initial $30,000 per team total was surpassed each team offered to match $50,000.
The Warriors joined with a one-off donation of $50,000, but later bumped it up to $75,000 and collaborated with the two other teams to increase the fundraising efforts. Across the bay the San Francisco Giants and San Francisco 49ers showed support through social media, with the Giants offering to support the fundraiser as well.
The San Jose Sharks had two fundraisers based off their Sharks Foundation raffles, which are termed “50/50 raffles”, with half the money garnered going to the foundation, the other to a raffle winner. In this case, the raffles for the December 7th and 10th games were altered to collect funds specifically for the American Red Cross to help with the Oakland fire assistance. They also collected direct donations during the games at SAP Center.
In a video released by the Warriors, in which the entire team is present, they thanked the outpouring of help and compassion, as well as the efforts of the first responders at the warehouse site in Oakland.
In the spirit of community and teamwork, these local teams have managed to come together and help as they can to a grieving Bay Area. Although money isn’t the only way to support, this will provide crucial aid to the people affected by this tragedy.
On a final note, as of writing the YouCaring fundraiser sat at over $420,000.
Donations for the Oakland fire relief fund can be made at <https://www.youcaring.com/oaklandfirevictimsfrom130531staveinoakland-706680#mlb-oakland>.
