Fan ForumFrom December 3-6, A's outfielder Rajai Davis, pitcher Brad Ziegler and the team mascot Stomper made a number of public and community appearances around the Bay Area as a part of the "2009 A's Holiday Caravan."
A's fans from around the Bay Area stopped by to take photos and gather autographs from these A's favorites at the Walnut Creek Holiday Parade of Lights, San Jose Holiday Parade and ParadeFest, Stoneridge Shopping Center in Pleasanton, Kelly-Moore Paints store in San Ramon and the Verizon Store in Emeryville.
On Dec. 4, the A's Community Fund treated children from the Henry Robinson Multi-Service Center in Oakland to a shopping event at Stoneridge Shopping Center. Five boys and five girls from the shelter received a $200 gift card to Stoneridge Shopping Center to purchase items of their choice off their "Santa's wish lists" as well as a $50 gift card to shop for a family member or friend. Children were escorted by A's players and Stomper in their shopping experience. After shopping, each child was treated to lunch at P.F. Changs, where they received autographs and an A's goodie bag.
In addition, on Dec. 5, Davis and Ziegler met with kids from Alta Bates Summit Medical Center's adolescent substance abuse treatment center, Thunder Road. The players signed autographs, posed for photos and participated in a variety of activities, including ping pong and billiards, while visiting with the kids from this non-profit program that specializes in substance abuse treatment.
The A's Holiday Caravan 2009 concluded with the annual A's Community Fund Holiday party for local elementary school students at the Oakland Zoo on Dec. 11. Former American League Cy Young winner and MVP Vida Blue and the A's second-round pick in the June, 2008 Draft and Oakland native, pitcher Tyson Ross, attend this year's party for children from Civicorps Elementary School in Oakland. Close to 200 children were rewarded with this party for reaching attendance goals set by Civicorps administrators. The A's holiday party included an animal presentation in the Wildlife Theater by the Oakland Zoo, lunch for the children courtesy of Round Table Pizza, face painters, arts and crafts, and a visit by the A's mascot Stomper. In addition, each child received a wrapped gift, compliments of the Good Tidings Foundation.
