|
Did she donate as well? You really can get them to do anything...
|
# ? Mar 18, 2014 00:40 |
|
|
# ? May 14, 2024 11:37 |
|
Chris Foy better not see a single cent off of this money
|
# ? Mar 18, 2014 02:23 |
|
Bloody hell, this really is amazing.
|
# ? Mar 18, 2014 10:30 |
|
Just to chime in with everyone else - nice one Suqit.
|
# ? Mar 19, 2014 15:44 |
|
Friends, The check to the NISOA went out today along with a list of the posters who contributed (first name last initial and location). I also sent a letter to his son with whom I've been in contact with briefly over the past few weeks explaining just how we knew his father and how much he meant to all of us and what we have done in his name. You all did a very good thing with this. It was not my idea to donate to a charity nor did I choose it. I'm sorry I don't remember exactly who's ideas these were but all the kudos to you and every single person who committed the time, effort and resources to make this happen. This can be a cynical and dark place at times, but it's overwhelmingly touching to know that we can come together when it matters most and do one thing so positive. Well done y'all.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 04:15 |
|
Nicely done Suqit, I don't remember what I was doing that I didn't contribute but its an excellent effort made for a cool poster
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 04:45 |
|
Can you post the letter in here suqit or is it too personal?
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 14:40 |
|
I'd like to see the letter too.
euroboy fucked around with this message at 15:04 on Mar 20, 2014 |
# ? Mar 20, 2014 14:43 |
|
GOMs son, I am (my name). I knew David, who we knew as GOM (for Grumpy Old Man) from a forum that we both frequented. It was a comedy website that had a section for discussing soccer. I'm sure you already know he was a pretty feverish fan of Chelsea Football Club. On this forum, people from literally all over the world would talk about the sport, the players, make fun of each other and each others favorite teams. There was a chat thread where quite a few of us got to know each other as well as you can get to know someone over the internet. Some of us, including David, have been posting about soccer there for upwards of ten years. Over time, we came to really know and respect him. He was by far one of the oldest members of our community, and I was closest to him in age of the regulars in age at 40 years. We talked about everything. He told us about growing up listening to punk rock and how he eventually became an attorney. I always respected him; his attitude, his manor and demeanor and his humor. He was a really funny guy! His favorite topics in the chat thread were always you and your mother. Well that and cooking! He bragged on you both. In a strange and distant way we felt a strong connection to him and his family and always enjoyed hearing what was going on in your lives. One of the topics he posted about most often was officiating. There were a lot of younger people that looked to him for guidance about how to get involved in that part of the game, and he was always overtly helpful in getting them involved. This is a relatively small community of posters. Hundreds post there, but probably 75 or so have for many years. When we heard of his passing, we were all saddened. It was shocking just how painful it was to lose him. I know our feelings pale in comparison to that of you and your mother, but we can understand just what a great man he was. Almost immediately after we heard the news, the decision was made to do something in his name. I mentioned earlier that we knew how he felt about officiating, and that he did so on a collegiate level. There is an organization, the National Intercollegiate Soccer Officials Association that helps to train people to become referees for college soccer. We thought it would be an appropriate way to express our gratitude for all he has done for us over the years. This forum has an edge to it, there is often trolling and bickering, but when the news spread of his passing, there was an absolutely overwhelming surge of support. People from all walks of life and all over the world shared their stories of what a great person he was. We started a small fundraiser to donate to the NISOA foundation in his name. I am so proud to tell you that 82 complete strangers from all over the world banded together to raise $3,344.75 dollars in his name to be donated to train other people to officiate. There was a thread dedicated to remembering him and people sincerely were touched by his presence. So much so that they took the time and effort to donate money. Many of these men and women are younger; students or just getting into their careers, but almost to a person, everyone of them apologized for not being able to send more money, because David meant something visceral to them. The check will go out tomorrow with a list of the people that donated, along with where they donated from. I will include that list with this email. In addition to the donation to the NISOA fund, we are putting a small obituary in the program that is handed out at Chelsea games. We have people that are from London and attend games regularly that will get a copy of this for you and your family once it comes out. I know they aren't major things, but I hope I am doing a proper job of conveying just how much he touched so many people from all over the world. We all miss him dearly, and daily. Later I will compile a sampling of the kinds words so many people had to say about him for you and your family. I am so very sorry for the great loss you and your family have suffered, and we want you all to know that we will all cherish his memory. Hopefully the funds we have raised can train 6 or 7 more officials to carry the torch he proudly passed on. If you could please share this with your mother and anyone else you feel appropriate I would greatly appreciate it. If there is every anything I or anyone of us can do for you, please don't hesitate to ever ask. Sincerely, My name
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 14:50 |
|
Suqit posted:GOM (for Grumpy Old Man) Well fancy that.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 14:52 |
|
Fantastic Suqit, you've been brilliant.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 14:59 |
|
That's a lovely letter Suqit.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:00 |
|
Who knew a Texan could be so eloquent?
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:01 |
|
That's brilliant.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:04 |
|
Great work.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:18 |
|
Well done.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:24 |
|
Thank you very much Suqit. I am especially touched you included him in the program. KTBFFH GOM
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:35 |
|
hadji murad posted:Thank you very much Suqit. I am especially touched you included him in the program. The program is something we are still working on. That was Shark-Bitch5000's idea, and Finn/Greg is handling that one. The information has been sent to the club, we are just awaiting a response.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:37 |
|
Touching letter, thanks so much for coordinating and doing this.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:51 |
|
Thx Suqit you jerkbag for making me cry at work
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:53 |
|
That's a fantastic letter, great job Suqit.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 15:58 |
|
Suqit posted:this is amazing
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 16:51 |
|
Wow. That letter made me feel... real unadulterated feelings.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 18:07 |
|
Good work Suqit.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 19:16 |
|
That's a very nice and touching letter Suqit
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 19:25 |
|
Well done, Suqit, that's a lovely letter. Kudos to Finn and Shark-bitch for the Chelsea program thing as well, that's a great touch.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 20:45 |
|
Great letter Suqit. I regret not being able to send money but I have none to spare currently. Great work everybody.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 21:16 |
|
Good job you fat headed texas idiot
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 21:34 |
|
Sorry, it was getting too emotional in here.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 21:34 |
|
That's a great letter Suqit, well done.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 23:16 |
|
You're a good man Suqit.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 23:47 |
|
That letter made me feel things, well done Suqit. GOM would be proud.
|
# ? Mar 20, 2014 23:57 |
|
Gigi Galli posted:Good job you fat headed texas idiot
|
# ? Mar 22, 2014 20:16 |
|
Thanks Suqit aka Team Barry
|
# ? Mar 25, 2014 10:09 |
|
RIP GOM, one of the most genuine guys on here. You will be missed. Thanks Suqit for letting me know.
|
# ? Mar 27, 2014 05:30 |
|
That's a touching letter Suqit. Rip gom.
|
# ? Mar 27, 2014 13:45 |
|
Good stuff, sorry I didn't look here again and donate. How did you guys find out of his passing?
|
# ? Mar 28, 2014 13:11 |
|
T Fowl posted:Good stuff, sorry I didn't look here again and donate. How did you guys find out of his passing? Kwagga had him on facebook PWM page 3851 iirc
|
# ? Mar 28, 2014 13:19 |
|
Thirteenth Step posted:Kwagga had him on facebook Ah alright thanks.
|
# ? Mar 28, 2014 13:25 |
|
|
# ? May 14, 2024 11:37 |
|
Gigi Galli posted:Good job you fat headed texas idiot
|
# ? Mar 30, 2014 22:04 |