Wednesday, 27 May 2009 20:00 LAST_UPDATED2
SoSH holding annual auction, softball game to benefit ALS
The Sons of Sam Horn (SoSH) is pleased to announce its annual online auction to benefit amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The year's auction will be held July 6-19. Last year, SoSH was able to raise the incredible sum of over $65,000, with all of the money going to the Massachusetts Chapter of the ALS Association. This year's auction items can be found on SonsofSamHorn.net. Also, the Massachusetts Chapter of the ALS did a nice story about SoSH's efforts last fall, which you can read about here.
Looking back, it really is amazing how much this event has grown and changed over the years. The SoSH online auction can trace its origins to a chat-room conversation that took place one cold February night; members were discussing the possibility of getting together to play softball. The gathering eventually took place that summer (we had just enough players and fittingly, the game ended in a tie!) with all money raised benefitting the Shade Foundation, an organization founded by Shonda Schilling to help eradicate melanoma.
Buoyed by the success of the first softball game, the members of SoSH decided to create a new twist: the annual auction. Over the years the auction has grown significantly, with many tremendous items won by SoSH members and lurkers alike: fine art, web design services, Red Sox game tickets, vacation packages, sports memorabilia, a tour of an area beer museum, and a visit to a shooting range. Last year's auction included a Red Sox clubhouse tour with Curt Schilling, a week's use of a beach house on Cape Cod, original artwork, and a visit to the set of "The Office."
Meanwhile, the annual members-only softball game has grown and undergone changes. Three years ago, my good friend and longtime teammate, John Hoyt, contracted ALS. With the blessing of the good people at SoSH, and a non-profit account dubbed The Friends of John Hoyt, John and his family became the sole beneficiary of that year's fundraising efforts. John attended the post-game party at my house that year, and I still get a little misty when I remember the long line of SoSH members waiting to meet him and shake his hand. Sadly, John passed away that fall. It was then decided to dedicate all future softball events and related fundraisers to him. And that's how the Sons of Sam Horn Softball Bash for Curt's Pitch for ALS in Memory of John Hoyt was born.
For those looking to get involved with this year's auction, services can be great items and last year raised a significant share of our total. Examples include tutoring, maid services, babysitting, and web design. This year, we have a personalized exercise and nutrition program, as well as surfing lessons. Drumming up donations from businesses is another fantastic way to contribute if you don’t have much dough. Over the years, we have received donations from the Boston Red Sox, Limo's by Liz, Kittery Trading Post, and the Red Sox Fantasy Camp.
Even though most of the auctioned items and services for last year's auction were donated by SoSH members and lurkers, anyone can participate in this event. To join in the fun (as a donor, bidder, or even both!), simply register a new account. All the bidding is done on the SonsofSamHorn.net site and is open to anyone with a registered account. If you wish to donate items for the auction or have any questions concerning this event, please contact me at
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And as always, you will also be able to make a donation to the cause without participating in the auction. The payment site can be found here.
This is really a community project, and we cannot thank all of you enough for the help and support you have provided over the years. The annual auction and softball game truly bring out the best in SoSH.
Yo la tengo.
Chuck/Frisbetarian
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions):
Question:
How do I bid on items?
Answer:
- Create a login on SoSH's Message Board
- Go to the Auction's Discussion Forum
- Enter a bid. Please keep a close eye on the forum... the bidding will be fast and furious.
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