The Raiders Boosters of York, PA




The Raiders Boosters of York, PA recently held a photo contest for the benefit of former Raider Steve Smith. Booster Member Mike Roseberry got the idea to raise money for Steve Smith's medical expenses after reading an article in the local newspaper about how Smith feels his misdiagnosis of him having A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease) really was a case of Lyme disease. Now Lyme disease, while curable, requires a very expensive treatment.

To raise money for Steve Smith, Roseberry organized a simple photo contest. Boosters would pay $1 to enter and then the Boosters vote on the best photo.. $1 per vote with all monies collected going to help Smith. The only rule for the photo contest was that any booster member could enter the photo of themselves, in Raider gear, with a famous person or at a famous landmark.

A deadline was set and there were 6 entries, one of a booster at Niagara Falls, and 5 others with former Raiders. The officers of the Booster club voted on the 3 best and then those were shown to the rest of the club to vote on the winner. For the rest of the 2004 season, boosters voted for their favorite photo with $1 votes. After the 2004 season was over and the Boosters met for their March meeting, a winner had emerged. Amanda Briggs won for her photo of herself with former Raider Jim Plunkett. And, between the boosters' $1 votes and a small Booster Club contribution, the Raiders Boosters of York, PA raised $100 to help Steve Smith with his medical expenses.

Then, came the hitch. Where to send the monies? The Boosters tried to contact the reporter from the newspaper who wrote the original and follow-up article but there was no response. Contacts with the Raiders' organization came up empty, too.

After months of trying, Booster Member Mike Roseberry did a search on the web and "The SilverandBlackFund.com" came up. Mike then contacted the Webmaster of the SilverandBlackfund.com, and he provided Mike with correct information for submitting the funds. The donation was made with in the next several weeks.

While the Raiders Boosters of York, PA's donation may only be $100, it's a big step in helping former Raider Steve Smith in his recovery from a potentially fatal disease.