Generosity of Gamers

In the spirit of the season I wanted to share a story about a young baby boy who was born two month premature.  Jack Vasel was the first and only son of Tom Vasel, one of the most influential voices in the board game world.  Tom is well know from his video reviews, Top 100 Videos, and his Podcast "The Dice Tower."  Check him out at: The Dice Tower.  Tom is one of the people who I started listening to when I first got into board gaming and someone I continue to enjoy.  He is humours, kind-hearted, and good natured.  Plus he is a teacher and a pastor.  Last November we rejoiced with him and his family when he had his first boy.  (He has six daughters).  But soon after Jack became sick.  He passed away in January living only two short months on this Earth.  During this tough time the board gaming community rallied around Tom and his family.  Sharing prayers, cards, gifts, and financial support. Some people started a board game auction where people donated the money they received to the Vasel family.  People were generous in these donations.  To me it showed how much good there is in the world, and that even out of tragedy, we can come together and rally around our fellow humans. 

Tom and daughter Holly

Some after Tom started the Jack Vasel Memorial Fund.  This fund was set up to collect and distribute financial assistance to members of the board gaming community who have suffered hardships.  They have already helped a few people and will continue.

On Jack's fist birthday another auction was held.  Again people were overly generous offering games and services and paying way more for a game than it should cost, all to donate to a good cause.  Board gaming companies and designers donated as well.  Some even offered games that were not even available yet  Sometimes people truly amaze me!