Photo by Tristan Tamayo/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines—It began with a modest pledge but ended up to be one of the greatest examples of “bayanihan.”
Alaska head coach Jeffrey Cariaso started a campaign back on March 18 where he pledged P100,000 for the PBA’s non-regular employees.
It took just 10 days for the donation drive to raise more than P800,000.
The sum of money collected will be given to the league’s employees who’ve been hit financially after the PBA suspended the season indefinitely due to the coronavirus disease COVID-19 pandemic.
From his initial pledge, Cariaso managed to gain the support of 42 more personalities in helping the 28 PBA game-day personnel who don’t get a monthly salary from the league.
“Forty-two generous people supported this initiative that totaled over 800k, and we are splitting that evenly amongst the 28 PBA non-regular employees,” said Cariaso in a text message to INQUIRER.net Sunday.
Among the teams that donated were Alaska and Blackwater while Alaska Milk Corporation founder Wilfred Uytengsu and Aces team general manager Dicky Bachmann all pitched in with Cariaso also giving his share.
The other donors were six-time MVP June Mar Fajardo, Sonny Thoss, Paolo Trillo, CJ Perez, Ginebra head coach Tim Cone, Sol Mercado, Jericho Cruz, Meralco head coach Norman Black and son Aaron, Cliff Hodge, Dom Tuason, Von Pessumal, coach Aboy Castro, Stanley Pringle, Chris Ross, Jeron Teng, Gabe Norwood, Mark Barroca, Olsen Racela, Nikko Ramos, Poy Erram, Jason Perkins, Kevin Alas, Mark Pingris, JVee Casio, Tony Dela Cruz, Joe Devance, Harvey Carey, Nico Salva, Mike DiGregorio, Abel Galliguez, JC Reyes, Dominc Uy, MJ Ayaay, Troy Rosario, Kris Atienza, Monch Gavieres, and Franco Atienza.