Great story of research, communication, generosity and aquisition

[GarkoCollector]

I've been trying to expand my Ryan Garko collection, but the cost of some of these Gamers has really been frustrating to afford. Since I couldnt go that route, I decided to go backward...way backward.

I already own the only jersey around that was worn by Garko in college, so my next step was to move ahead. I found out that Garko played for a team in Alaska called the "Goldpanners." Through emails to the team and talking to the GM about my collection, I was able to make a few card purchases of key cards that were missing from my collection. There was a flood and damaged more than 95% of their stock, so though 2000 of some of these cards were made, there are less than 100 of these in existence. I made the purchase and got them about 2 weeks later.

I kept in contact with the GM through the winter and discussed my collection a bit further and he had a lot of questions for me. We went back and forth for weeks until I didnt hear from him for about a month. Out of nowhere, I get an email telling me that there was a storage unit that was cleaned out and something was found that I would like. Initially he asked me if I would be interested in buying it for a donation to the team's charity, but then talks went another direction. After not hearing from him for a bit, I opened my mail Saturday and couldnt believe what I saw...

What a gift this is...sent to me for free from the GM of the team...





Ryan Garko game worn Alaska Goldpanners Uniform Shirt. Garko wasnt there for long and the following season they switched to new uniforms, so it doesnt show much use, but with provenance from the GM of the team, its good enough for me. I'm still speechless over the generosity of this person. Just wanted to share my new gem in the 'ol collection.

Thanks for sticking it out during a long read.
Tom

[chakes89]

Im sure that you have already seen these but here are some pics of Garko in this jersey:

[GarkoCollector]

I have the card but I hadnt seen those pics. Thanks so much. Really appreciate it! Where did you get those?

[chakes89]

From this page:

http://www.goldpanners.com/Scrapbook...ko-ryan_00.htm

[nyjetsfan14]

Very cool story and an extremely gracious gesture by the GM. May I ask what the teams chairity is? Perhaps an unannounced donation would be a nice reciprocation.

[GarkoCollector]

They buy disadvantaged children warm coats, gloves, boots, etc and then give them tickets to the games.

The check has already been written out!
Tom