49er “Waldo” Brings Seahawk and 49er Fans Together

Posted on February 8, 2014 by Matt Gabrielson

Normally a fan attending a championship parade wearing the gear of a rival team would be less than welcome. Initially this was the case of 49er fan “Waldo” (as he has come to be called), but this is far from the case with this brave young man now. “Waldo” has quite the story to tell that shows how large fan bases can come together in times of need.

Turns out “Waldo” is 15 years old and is a ward of the state. So that essentially means that this young man is homeless. “Waldo” lives in shelters and has endured a very difficult life so far. King 5 news in Seattle reports that “Waldo” does go to school everyday and that his teachers speak very highly of this brave young man. In an interview with the Ladies of the Empire, an all female club for the San Francisco 49ers, and we’re proud to say one of Fans Against Violence’s partner clubs, “Waldo” explained his reasoning for going to the Seahawks Championship Parade in his 49ers gear “Just being a Niner fan and getting all the crap at school for being one. I wanted everyone in Seattle and all around the world to know that I was a niner fan and I was no bandwagon!”

Word has spread really quickly about this young man’s unfortunate situation. Longtime 49er fan and president of the Ladies of the Empire, Catherine Tate was so impressed with what the bravery “Waldo” showed that she initially wanted to give him front row tickets to a 49ers game next season. That is when this brave 15 year olds story came to the forefront. Catherine worked very hard to get in contact with the right people and is raising money for “Waldo”.

Catherine and the Ladies of the Empire initially started a fundraiser on GoFundMe.com for “Waldo” to help get him to San Francisco for a game. However, after learning of “Waldo’s” situation this go fund me is raising funds to help with all of “Waldo’s” everyday basic needs. As of this writing $11,365!

Here is what is even more amazing when you see that number its not just 49ers fans contributing, Seahawks fans are also helping this young man. Along with donations on go fund me you can leave a comment. Some of the cool comments from the Seahawks fans are: “12th Man wants to help too”, 12th man Wilson style”, “Several 12 fans offering him shelter in their homes if he needs.

This story just goes to show how no matter what team you are a fan of, we are all humans in the end. For all of the bad things you hear these days when it comes to rivalries in sports, there is more good than bad. Here you have two fan bases that make one of the most heated rivalries in the NFL today bonding together to help a young man in need. For as brave as “Waldo” was to go to the Seahawks championship parade in his 49ers gear, it is nothing compared to the courage he shows every day living his difficult life.

To contribute to Waldo’s go fund me please go here: www.gofundme.com/Get-Niner-Waldo-to-SF

For more information on the Ladies of the Empire: ladiesoftheempire.com

For more information on Fans Against Violence: www.fansagainstviolence.org

Fans Against Violence – FanShake PSA – Brought to You by TheMadFanatic

Posted on December 4, 2012 by FAV

We are so thrilled to release our first Public Service Announcement for our FanShake Program. The FanShake program and the FanShake Cam was built on the premise that the smallest of gestures can sometimes have the most impact. With the simple act of shaking an opposing fans hand and welcoming them to “your house” you can change the entire mood of your section.

The FanShake Cam first made its debut at the Oakland Raiders season opener versus the San Diego Chargers and was a huge hit! Our hope is that by encouraging fans to welcome each other through the FanShake, we can start to help reduce the number of incidents at sports venue nationwide.

So Next time you are at a game..make sure and do the FanShake!!

Raiders Report – Fans Against Violence and the Oakland Raiders Visit the Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach

Posted on November 30, 2012 by FAV

On November 26, 2012, Fans Against Violence along with the Oakland Raiders teamed up to speak with the children at the Boys 2 Men/Girls to Women Youth Outreach about the importance of sportsmanship.

To view full episode please visit Raiders.com

FAV & Raiders Derek Hagan Visit Boys 2 Men Outreach Photo Album

In September FAV held a raffle for tickets to the Oakland Raiders vs Denver Broncos game on December 6, 2012. The winner of the tickets, Michael Sottile of New York, graciously donated the tickets back to FAV and asked that we give the tickets to some kids who might not otherwise have the opportunity to attend a Raider game.

We were thrilled at the prospect of giving a child such a wonderful opportunity. We immediately contacted the Oakland Raiders who also jumped on the opportunity to make this a very special day. Along with the tickets to the game, the Oakland Raiders donated Field passes for the kids.

We immediately contacted the Boys 2 Men Youth Outreach group and held a contest, asking each child to write a sentence on what we can do to end violence.

We were thrilled to be joined by Oakland Raiders Wide Receiver Derek Hagan in picking and announcing the three winners. We are also very grateful to have super fans Gorilla Rilla & the Pirate, as well as, Dont Even from the Hazmat Boyz for come down and show their support for FAV and make the day so special for some very well deserving children. It was a very memorable day for them and FAV.

Here are a few of the entries from the children of Boys to Men Youth Outreach
BOYS 2 MEN YOUTH OUTREACH

Helping to decrease the violence in the Oakland community!

By…….

James (10): Having Confidence in yourself and self-control.

Solomon (10): Having Integrity, Discipline, and Honor, leading positive.

Jordan (10): By showing others Respect and having a positive outlook on life.

Arnell (5): By having Discipline – Training that teaches one to obey rules and to control ones behavior.

Allen (10): By showing love to everyone.

Flore (8) and Flora (8): Having pride in your- self.

George (5): To be good and respectful.

The winning entries:

Damariye (11): By following our 5 daily words: Discipline, Morals, Integrity, Self-Esteem, and Respect, alone with some Love and that will make all the fans safe and happy.

Julia (11): By having Morals – Principles of right and wrong.

Joseph (13): Leading by example, To be respectful of our self and others.

ESPN Outside the Lines Fan Violence Episode – Fans Against Violence

Posted on October 15, 2012 by FAV

Sundays during football season tend to place media focus on the match-ups, the players, the injury reports, the spreads and the action on the field. So little is said about what takes place off of the field- particularly in the stands, in the parking lots and on stadium premises. Outside the Lines gives us a look at the dangers of fan violence, the impact it has on its victims and the need to create safer environments in which fans can enjoy the experience of a football game. The necessity of advocacy groups such as Fans Against Violence is also stressed, and Outside the Lines features Kathy Samoun at the opening Raiders game against the San Diego Chargers, promoting FAV’s cause on foot and encouraging fans of both teams to be welcoming and respectful towards one another. Also interviewed is Aaron Curry of the Oakland Raiders, who is a supporter of FAV and the fight against violence. Raising awareness and exposing people to the seriousness of this issue is a great step towards lessening the number of incidents and attacks reported each week, and we are glad ESPN is shining some light on it.

In case you missed yesterday’s airing of “Outside the Lines, ” here are some highlights from this week’s episode.

Fans Against Violence and the Oakland Raiders Introduce the FAV FanShake Cam

Posted on September 25, 2012 by FAV

We are so thrilled to share with you the FAV FanShake Cam™ which was first Introduced at the Oakland Raiders home opener on Monday Night Football vs San Diego Chargers. In all the excitement, everyone forgot to record the unveiling! Thankfully we did not forget to record it at the Raiders/Steeler game so we could share it with you if you weren’t able to attend the game!

We are happy to announce the FanShake™ has been a huge success and has received a tremendous response by the fans!

We look forward to spotting you soon on the FanShake Cam™ so be sure to stand up, shake the hand of a visiting fan and get your FanShake™ on!!

Aaron Curry message to Fans and Contest for FansAgainstViolence.org

Posted on September 17, 2012 by FAV

Aaron Curry sends out a message to Raider fans asking them to end the violence! Wanting join in the FanShake™ Fun, Aaron is asking fans to post their FanShake photos to the FAV Facebook page or tweet your photos to @FansAv @AaronCurry51 with the hashtag #FanShake. Five Lucky winners will win autographed pictures of Aaron Curry!

Oakland Raiders Team Up with Fans Against Violence

Posted on September 10, 2012 by FAV

Fans Against Violence is proud to announce our first team partnership with the Oakland Raiders. We are happy to be unveiling our newest program “FanShake™” and the “FanShake Cam™”. We look forward to seeing home fans and visiting fans interacting in a positive way. In addition to the FanShake™, FAV will have a permanent residence in Raiderville at all home games. We at FAV know that together with the Oakland Raiders, we can make a difference and help put an end to Fan Violence.

As part of the Raiders continuing efforts to provide a safe, secure, family friendly environment, the Silver and Black and Fans Against Violence (FAV) are teaming up.

RAIDERS CONTINUE TO PROMOTE SAFE, SECURE, FAMILY FRIENDLY ENVIRONMENT; TEAM UP FOR FANSHAKE™ The Oakland Raiders’ Fan Code of Conduct is part of the Silver and Black’s commitment to a safe, secure, family friendly environment. The Fan Code of Conduct can be found by clicking here.

The Fan Code of Conduct also includes parking and tailgate guidelines as well as texting and designated driver programs which continue to help fans enjoy the best possible game day experience.

The Fan Code of Conduct Public Service Announcement, which features the Raiderettes and contains video clips of fans of all ages enjoying a day at a Raiders game, can be seen by clicking here.

As part of the Raiders continuing efforts to provide a safe, secure, family friendly environment, the Silver and Black and Fans Against Violence (FAV) are teaming up beginning with tonight’s regular season opener against San Diego at O.co Coliseum to highlight fan interaction at the stadium with the FanShake™.

The FanShake™, a term originated by Fans Against Violence, will be prominently displayed in a number of ways at Monday night’s contest between two original American Football League and present American Football Conference Western Division rivals.

A FanShake™ photo gallery will be showcased on raiders.com’s “Game Center” as well as on the team’s Twitter and Face book accounts. Fans are encouraged to take their own photos of FanShakes™ and upload those to Twitter using the hash tag #fanshake. The Raiders will then re-Tweet the best photos throughout the pregame and game.

In addition, FanShake™ moments will be videotaped and shared with the crowd inside the Coliseum on the video during the game as part of FanShakeCam™. Fans Against Violence (http://www.fansagainstviolence.org/) is a fan-based organization that aims to improve and enhance game day experiences at professional sports venues across the United States.