*Rich Shay/David Williams Benefit Tournament* September 10, 2011, Stratford, CT

[iamfishman]

As many of you have heard, Rich Shay and David Williams were two vintage players among a number of people who had things ruthlessly stolen from them at this year's Gencon.  This cast a shadow on what should have been an otherwise excellent Gencon.

I want to do something to help, and in a similar vane to this tournament I ran a number of years back(http://www.themanadrain.com/index.php?topic=29447.0) I will be holding a Vintage event on September 10, 2011 at GamingETC in Stratford, CT.  I will not be taking a cent for running the tournament and from each person's $20 entry fee, $10 will go toward the tournaments prize pool, with the other half going to help replace the cards of Rich and David.  We will also be holding a 50/50 rafflee(with the profit for Dave and Rich) and other types of things.

I know what you might be thinking, "Won't the money raised just be a tiny fraction of what these two gentlemen lost?"  The short answer is: unfortunately yes.  However, speaking from personal experience (http://www.themanadrain.com/index.php?topic=24424.0) even though I was fortunate enough to get my power back when it went missing thanks to the very excellent Brian Demars, I experienced feelings when it was missing that I can only assume are similar to what Rich and Dave feel.  It isn't as much about the monetary amount(although, believe me, I am not down-playing that this is significant) but rather the feeling of being deceived, cheated, swindled, etc. that is most hurtful.  It is a violated feeling and one that brings with it a broken trust in the goodness of people that rattles you to the core.

My hope is that this tournament will show Rich and Dave that the vintage community is a good group of people, and that we stand by one another and won't let the actions of someone who wishes to damage that community succeed.  Coming out and supporting this event isn't just a "give them your money" event, but rather a "there are good people who care" type of event.

So, in conclusion, I beg and plead that you do what you can to make it to this event, and do whatever you can to help others make it as well, whether that be through loaning of cards, offering rides, etc.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Ray

_____________________________ _____________________________ _____________________________ _________________________

Rich/Dave Benefit Event
Saturday, September 10, 2011

Gamingetc Tournament Center and SuperStore
555 Lordship Boulevard (Exit 30 off I95)
Stratford CT 06615
1-203-296-9961

Time: Registration: 10:00 - 11:00 am
Tourney Starts PROMPTLY at 11:00 am(To avoid a prolonged tournament, this will be strictly enforced. Latecomers will be subject to a round 1 loss.)

Dopeness Factor: The number of beating that the thief will receive if he were to be found.

Cost: $25 Entry Fee

Format - Type One with TWENTY proxies. Use http://forums.starcitygames.com/showthread.php?11903 as a guideline for what is acceptable for proxying.
 
Cut: Cut to top 8
      
Prizes: I will be using a “based on participants” prize scale.

Here is the formula I used to come up with these numbers, so all is perfectly out in the open.
0.5($25 Entry Fee * Number of Participants) = Total Vendor Credit for 1-8th place.
***Cash = 0.85 * Vendor Credit

A 50/50 Rafflee and a side event will be run during the day.

Questions, comments, concerns? Please share them all here.

*Most importantly, if there is any reason you can't play(need a deck, ride, etc but want to play...contact me...I will find a solution.)

Ray

[voltron00x]

Thank you for doing this.  We're lucky to have you as part of this community.

[Womba]

Thank you for doing this.  We're lucky to have you as part of this community.

This is really cool man. I will attempt to make it out to this fine event. Hopefully you guys get a ton of people!!

[Prospero]

I'll be there, and I'll be bringing a full car.

I'm looking to do the same thing with the September N.Y.S.E.  I'll post the details as soon as I have the date confirmed with Grim.

[XxtSundaybxX]

If i can get a car full of people from the Philly area I would like to go

[BC]

If I could play devil's advocate for a moment...  Rich Shay is a grad student; David Williams is a professional poker player with career earnings of over 8 million dollars.  David lost more, but arguably will have an easier time replacing what he lost. 

That being said, I sympathize with both players and wouldn't wish a theft like this on my worst enemy.  This tournament is a great idea, and Ray is a saint for organizing something like this.

[iamfishman]

If I could play devil's advocate for a moment...  Rich Shay is a grad student; David Williams is a professional poker player with career earnings of over 8 million dollars.  David lost more, but arguably will have an easier time replacing what he lost. 

That being said, I sympathize with both players and wouldn't wish a theft like this on my worst enemy.  This tournament is a great idea, and Ray is a saint for organizing something like this.

Thanks for the kind words. 

With regard to playing devil's advocate, I was also aware of David's Poker winnings.  Clearly, that doesn't make it okay, but I wanted to make clear that this is more about showing support for two people that experienced something that really hits you hard in terms of your ability to trust in the goodness of people.  Having your stuff stolen from you leaves you feeling very angry and violated. 

I think people playing a fun type 1 tourney while showing our support for other type 1 players is a win-win situation.

[forcethewill]

James Hangley will be in attendence.

[Bill Copes]

Copesness Factor: The tournament's scheduled on my birthday.

If I can pass it with my wife, I'll be there with a full car.

Bad beats Dave & Rich.  I'm very emotionally attached to my cards, as I've been in love with this game since '94 and have many of the same cards I first started playing with.  If not just the monetary value of your lost cards, but any personal attachment you have/had to anything special you might have lost -- a set of taigas that you got in 7th grade that your best friends drew lumberjacks on, the mox your mom got you for your 16th birthday.  I'd be heartbroken.  I hope you guys aren't.

[Samoht]

Will try to fill up a car or pile in on the Detwiler train.

[desolutionist]

I'm definitely going

[Englishman_in_NH]

Sadly I have a wedding I must attend that day. Good luck and I hope as many people as can are able to make it to this.

[The Atog Lord]

All I can say is that -- Ray, and everyone else -- you guys are amazing. Seeing this thread, and the outpouring of support, really just makes me feel great. I'm humbled.

[Klep]

My one regret is that I have but so many vacation days to give to Magic tournaments.  I hope this goes really well, and thanks for doing this Ray.

[hvndr3d y34r h3x]

Vintage: better people than in other formats

[Prospero]

I am working on putting together as much of the list that Dave Williams had built as I can.  Visna Harris donated a foil Trygon Predator to the cause today.  I will be donating cards to this as well.  If you're interested in making a donation (in cards) to Dave (who did not ask for me to do this and is not currently aware that I am doing this), please let me know if you have any of the following:


August 10Nick Detwiler
Hey Eric,

I got a list of all of Dave's missing cards. I'm including it below.

Thanks again for all the help,

Nick

1   Black Lotus    beta
1   Mox Jet    a/b
1   Mox Pearl    a/b
1   Mox Sapphire    beta
1   Mox Ruby    most likely beta
1   Mox Emerald    most likely beta
1   Sol Ring    beta, signed by Tedin, altered (flames or demon or something)
1   Mana Crypt    signed by tedin and altered
1   Time Vault    beta, near mint
1   Blightsteel Colossus    foil
1   Lotus Petal    foil
1   Sensei's Divining Top    foil
1   Voltaic Key    M11 foil
1   Ancient Grudge    foil
2   Trygon Predator    foil
4   Dark Confidant    new judge foil promos
2   Thoughtseize    foil
1   Vampiric Tutor    DCI foil promo
1   Yawgmoth's Will    DCI foil promo
1   Demonic Tutor    beta
1   Tinker    legacy foil
1   Brainstorm    DCI foil promo
1   Merchant Scroll    8ed foil
1   Time Walk    probably alpha
1   Ancestral Recall    alpha, signed by poole, altered with ufo above guy
2   Spell Pierce    foil
2   Mana Drain    english legends
4   Force of Will    english alliances
3   Preordain    foil
3   Jace, The Mind Sculptor    foil
4   Misty Rainforest    foil
3   Polluted Delta    onslaught foil
1   Island    beta
1   Tolarian Academy    saga
2   Tropical Island    a/b
2   Volcanic Island    beta
3   Undergound Sea    beta

2   Nature's Claim    foil
1   Yixlid Jailer    DCI foil promo
1   Yixlid Jailer    non foil
2   Leyline of the Void    guildpact foil
1   Leyline of the Void    m11 foil
1   Leyline of the Void    m11 non foil
2   Pyroblast    ice age
1   Red Elemental Blast    beta
1   Ingot Chewer    Lorwyn foil
1   ingot Chewer    non foil
1   Ancient Grudge    foil
1   lightning bolt    M11 Foil

[dwpoker]

Wow, this really feels great. A group of people I don't really know getting together to show support for me is amazing. I don't think there are any other communities in Magic that would do something like this. When I saw the title of this post I was nervous there would be a lot of hate because of my success in poker and am shocked to see it's been the opposite. That being said, I'm not sure if this is the right idea. Although people may not be posting it, I feel there are a lot of people who may not want to attend or contribute due to my situation. For example, Chris Pikula tweeted to me "yeah man it totally blows that your deck was stolen, but you probably still aren't really first in line for my charity dollars!" (and I can't blame him, he knows I will be ok). I really appreciate what you guys are doing and would request anything donated or earned for me please be given to a charity.

It does mean A LOT to me that you guys are doing this and that alone shows me the how amazing most of the Vintage group is. My desire to play vintage hasn't wavered and I will continue to play. Don't worry about me not trusting the Vintage community, I know who stole my deck, and it's just one guy, he isn't a representative of everyone and hasn't broken my spirit.

Also, I have a meeting with my Home Owner's insurance claim adjuster Tuesday, and they say it's a long shot, but maybe they will do something for me.

Again, THANKS sooooooo much for this amazing gesture.

[dwpoker]

I also started a thread about a $5000 reward I'm offering for my deck here.

http://www.themanadrain.com/index.php?topic=42745.0

[iamfishman]

Wow, this really feels great. A group of people I don't really know getting together to show support for me is amazing. I don't think there are any other communities in Magic that would do something like this. When I saw the title of this post I was nervous there would be a lot of hate because of my success in poker and am shocked to see it's been the opposite. That being said, I'm not sure if this is the right idea. Although people may not be posting it, I feel there are a lot of people who may not want to attend or contribute due to my situation. For example, Chris Pikula tweeted to me "yeah man it totally blows that your deck was stolen, but you probably still aren't really first in line for my charity dollars!" (and I can't blame him, he knows I will be ok).

There probably are people thinking that but not saying it.  And that is fine, no one can be judged for their opinions.  Those people who don't want to attend don't have to.  This doesn't make them bad guys or anything like that.  But, that isn't IMHO a reason not to do something like this for those who want to come, especially as it is also in support of Rich Shay.  Furthermore, there may be people who want to go, simply to have another vintage event they can play at.  That's cool too. 

I really appreciate what you guys are doing and would request anything donated or earned for me please be given to a charity.

You got it, to what group shall we make a donation.

It does mean A LOT to me that you guys are doing this and that alone shows me the how amazing most of the Vintage group is. My desire to play vintage hasn't wavered and I will continue to play. Don't worry about me not trusting the Vintage community, I know who stole my deck, and it's just one guy, he isn't a representative of everyone and hasn't broken my spirit.

Also, I have a meeting with my Home Owner's insurance claim adjuster Tuesday, and they say it's a long shot, but maybe they will do something for me.

Again, THANKS sooooooo much for this amazing gesture.

No problem.  Fingers crossed that your deck finds its way back to you.

Regards,
Ray

[halo295]

Sounds like a good time. Will try to make it down with a car full.

[sorcutt]

Also, I have a meeting with my Home Owner's insurance claim adjuster Tuesday, and they say it's a long shot, but maybe they will do something for me.

Sorry to hear about your collections being stolen David and Rich.

I actually work in auto claims so I have some knowledge of the homeowners side of claims.  I strongly recommend anyone that has sizable Magic collection, or any collection for that matter, to take pictures of it.  Most homeowners policies, and even some renter's insurance polices, have personal property clauses in them that allow for a limit of around $2,500 to be claimed in the event of theft.  Unfortunately, I'm almost certain no homeowner's polices will allow you to add a rider for a collection of cards onto the policy due to the nature of risk involved.  If you do have pictures as evidence of your collection you may be able to claim up to the $2,500 personal property limit though. I'll check this week with the property department head just to clarify.  $2,500 going towards a collection that looks to be around $15k-$20k definitely doesn't accomplish much, but it's something....

That being said this is a great event and I'll try and be there with a full car!

[Seismic Assault]

Also, I have a meeting with my Home Owner's insurance claim adjuster Tuesday, and they say it's a long shot, but maybe they will do something for me.

Sorry to hear about your collections being stolen David and Rich.

I actually work in auto claims so I have some knowledge of the homeowners side of claims.  I strongly recommend anyone that has sizable Magic collection, or any collection for that matter, to take pictures of it.  Most homeowners policies, and even some renter's insurance polices, have personal property clauses in them that allow for a limit of around $2,500 to be claimed in the event of theft.  Unfortunately, I'm almost certain no homeowner's polices will allow you to add a rider for a collection of cards onto the policy due to the nature of risk involved.  If you do have pictures as evidence of your collection you may be able to claim up to the $2,500 personal property limit though. I'll check this week with the property department head just to clarify.  $2,500 going towards a collection that looks to be around $15k-$20k definitely doesn't accomplish much, but it's something....

That being said this is a great event and I'll try and be there with a full car!

I had my collection stolen a few years back, and my homeowner's covered $2,500.  It was a drop in the bucket, but it's at least something.

When I started amassing a collection again I talked to my insurance company and was able to get my collection covered.  It just took some pictures as well as a 3rd party appraisal. 

Best of luck both with the event and in recovering your cards guys.

Really sorry to hear about both of your losses. 

[The Atog Lord]

I don't know if anything will come of it, but I am in touch with my renter's insurance company to see if they'll cover things. I'll keep you guys posted about what happens.

[quicksilvervii]

Count me in for this one as well.

[sorcutt]

I had my collection stolen a few years back, and my homeowner's covered $2,500.  It was a drop in the bucket, but it's at least something.

When I started amassing a collection again I talked to my insurance company and was able to get my collection covered.  It just took some pictures as well as a 3rd party appraisal.   

Were you able to go to a Magic dealer for the appraisal?  If not what service did you use?

[Joblin Velder]

When I was working for YMG, I had a couple people come in for appraisals on collections for insurance reasons. Now, I don't know what happened after they left my shop but it seemed like dealers were acceptable for this.

[JR]

I'll be there.

[BC]

I won't be there due to differences in longitude, but I would like to make a donation to the cause.  Ray, can I Paypal you a little something?

[iamfishman]

I won't be there due to differences in longitude, but I would like to make a donation to the cause.  Ray, can I Paypal you a little something?

Sure can.  Just paypal any donations to:
iamfishman2000@hotmail.com

and I will add it to what we raise.

[bryanzoll]

Ray,

I'll be there saturday.

Zoll