Five Dollars and Five Minutes
Update 7:01 a.m. - Thanks to AllyOop and Raider News, as well as Raider World, for spreading the word.
Update 7:43 p.m. - Thanks to Raider Nation Podcast, Raider Raza and Raiders40 at RaiderFans.net for helping spread the word. I know they won't be alone, and I will continue to update this list accordingly.
As a new parent who lost his own father to a heart attack, I was particularly saddened by the news of Craig Long’s passing. Craig, a public relations coordinator for the Oakland Raiders from 1997 through 2004, died of a heart attack on February 9 at the age of 36. He is survived by his wife and young daughter, Ava. Their second child is due in June.
I didn’t personally know Craig Long, but I do know that he was part of our Raider Nation family, a sentiment that extends to his wife and daughter. Click here to read Jerry McDonald’s fine memorial to Craig.
In the comments section of McDonald’s piece, Craig’s wife Allison adds more insight into the man and husband, as well as some rather poignant observations that we might all do well to heed: “Some say time heals all wounds but I disagree. Nothing can heal how I and so many others feel right now. Ava cries for her daddy and my heart aches for my best friend. All I can do is pray that he is looking down on us every step of the way….So many people have asked me 'what can I do'…. I have something I want you to do. Please go home, hug your spouse or loved one, kiss your children, tell then you love them and don’t let go. Cherish every moment as you never know when it will be taken away from you. We had no warning…. we had no second chances. I would give anything in the world to look in his eyes one more time and tell him I love him.”
Friends, there is something else we can do. We can make small contributions to little Ava’s trust fund, which collectively will make a big difference. Those of you who live in coastal California understand the brutal cost of living that faces the Long family as they grieve and cope with this permanent loss. What if we all took five dollars (and ideally a bit more) and five minutes to write a check and help make a difference in this child’s future? If 500 of us contribute just $5 (which is less than one Coliseum beer!), that adds up to $2,500, which would more than double at five percent interest over the next 18 years. If we make it $10, the impact is even more extraordinary.
According to Jerry McDonald: “A trust fund has been set up for Ava Long. Send donations in care of Allison Long, account number 0072860478, Bank of America, with Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section. The address is 1010 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA, 93905. Write "Craig Long Memorial Fund" in the memo section.”
This is a bit unclear, but I assume it means writing checks directly to Allison Long and addressing the envelope to Bank of America c/o Allison Long at 1010 E. Alisal St. in Salinas, CA 93905. I’m not exactly sure about the best place to reference the account number, but anywhere on the check or in an accompanying note should suffice. It’s a local branch, and I’m sure they’ll figure it out regardless. Don’t forget to write Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section.
I’m off to catch the postman. I invite you to join me.
Update 7:43 p.m. - Thanks to Raider Nation Podcast, Raider Raza and Raiders40 at RaiderFans.net for helping spread the word. I know they won't be alone, and I will continue to update this list accordingly.
As a new parent who lost his own father to a heart attack, I was particularly saddened by the news of Craig Long’s passing. Craig, a public relations coordinator for the Oakland Raiders from 1997 through 2004, died of a heart attack on February 9 at the age of 36. He is survived by his wife and young daughter, Ava. Their second child is due in June.
I didn’t personally know Craig Long, but I do know that he was part of our Raider Nation family, a sentiment that extends to his wife and daughter. Click here to read Jerry McDonald’s fine memorial to Craig.
In the comments section of McDonald’s piece, Craig’s wife Allison adds more insight into the man and husband, as well as some rather poignant observations that we might all do well to heed: “Some say time heals all wounds but I disagree. Nothing can heal how I and so many others feel right now. Ava cries for her daddy and my heart aches for my best friend. All I can do is pray that he is looking down on us every step of the way….So many people have asked me 'what can I do'…. I have something I want you to do. Please go home, hug your spouse or loved one, kiss your children, tell then you love them and don’t let go. Cherish every moment as you never know when it will be taken away from you. We had no warning…. we had no second chances. I would give anything in the world to look in his eyes one more time and tell him I love him.”
Friends, there is something else we can do. We can make small contributions to little Ava’s trust fund, which collectively will make a big difference. Those of you who live in coastal California understand the brutal cost of living that faces the Long family as they grieve and cope with this permanent loss. What if we all took five dollars (and ideally a bit more) and five minutes to write a check and help make a difference in this child’s future? If 500 of us contribute just $5 (which is less than one Coliseum beer!), that adds up to $2,500, which would more than double at five percent interest over the next 18 years. If we make it $10, the impact is even more extraordinary.
According to Jerry McDonald: “A trust fund has been set up for Ava Long. Send donations in care of Allison Long, account number 0072860478, Bank of America, with Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section. The address is 1010 E. Alisal St., Salinas, CA, 93905. Write "Craig Long Memorial Fund" in the memo section.”
This is a bit unclear, but I assume it means writing checks directly to Allison Long and addressing the envelope to Bank of America c/o Allison Long at 1010 E. Alisal St. in Salinas, CA 93905. I’m not exactly sure about the best place to reference the account number, but anywhere on the check or in an accompanying note should suffice. It’s a local branch, and I’m sure they’ll figure it out regardless. Don’t forget to write Craig Long Memorial Fund in the memo section.
I’m off to catch the postman. I invite you to join me.
posted by Raider Take at 9:11 AM
6 Comments:
Horrible news. Damn, he was so young.
Truly sad. Allison is right. Cherish every moment. It's times like this that cause us to reflect on our own mortality. (My $5+ is on its way.)
NFL Network is reporting that Norv Turner is the new HC of the San Diego Chargers. Ted Cottrell is the DC an Ron Rivera is the linebackers coach(?).
i would like to extend my most sincere condolences to craig long's family in this difficult time of grief.
that said, not many people responded to this post. I'm sure it's not because they don't care. although, as a Christian, the most important thing right now is prayers for the repose of Craig's soul. Money is important and if you have extra to give, even better. but prayers are more important, especially for his family. believe me, they will FEEL the love of ALL raider fans if we all say a quiet prayer for Craig.
I am only working part-time. my wife isn't working at all. what i do make is going towards my mother's care giver. I will do my very best to contribute if i can. But more imortantly, my thoughts and prayers are with Craig and his family. may his soul rest in peace.
Well put, Scorpio. I agree that prayers are indeed the priority here.
craig long left a legacy behind
i don't think he knew how many lives he touched
how many friendships he created
how many friends cherished him in his lifetime
he was an amazing person and gave 110% for as long as he could
he will be missed by many and
he will live on in everyone's hearts and mind
godspeed CL
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