This Oakland News is designed, for the most part, to help the San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee connect with Oakland businesses, and particularly women, minority, and LGBT entrepreneurs who want to get business from the host committee. That organization has already held one such business outreach expo in San Francisco; the next one is slated for Oakland, and it will be held this month. It will be the last one of its kind, and the final chance for Oaklanders to find out what’s going on, let alone get involved.
In my last blog post I mentioned that I would make a website called SuperBowlOakland.com and to inform Oaklanders about what the San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee is doing and also what Oakland business and venues were out there for other event producers who have events that aren’t directly connected with the host committee, but will be held before the 50th Super Bowl, or on Super Bowl Sunday.
I’m happy to report that website, which I made strictly for news and information purposes and not for commericial objectives, is up at http://SuperBowlOakland.com. If you go and click on the website address http://SuperBowlOakland.com, you will find an “ALERT” about an upcoming event: The SF Super Bowl 50 Business Outreach Expo to be held February 19th at 1 PM at The Scottish Rite Temple here in Oakland at 1547 Lakeside Drive, across from The Lake Chalet.
These videos are from the first business workshop:
The event is something you have to register for, and the fastest way to do this is to click on the link which takes you directly to the San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Business Connect Workshop Resource Expo page on the event, and then click on “Register.” Or you can go here: http://www.sfbaysuperbowl.com/calendar/events/2nd-business-connect-workshop-resource-expo/#14116SBR0qfx0eQl.97
(And I want to congratulate Oakland’s VMA Security for being the first business to sign up, again for free, at http://SuperBowlOakland.com. Vince Mackey’s security firm at http://www.vmasecurity.com has done well at protecting individuals and businesses, and in was particularly effective in defending business clients during the Occupy Oakland Riots.)
If you’re wondering why I didn’t send you to directly to the host committee’s website, I’ll bluntly tell you it’s because the front page has no obvious link for the event as of this writing, moreover I want to make you think about how Oakland can move together as one unit of people on this. I fear that we’re not doing this, and already there’s a small group of people who are somewhat responsible for the kind of “close-to-the-vest” childish behavior that normally hampers Super Bowl host committee efforts, even at the bid stage.
Look, it’s one thing to be on the San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, but it’s meaningless if the same people fail to inform everyone from the Oakland City Council to Oakland business owners to your friendly neighborhood Oakland blogger about the The SF Super Bowl 50 Business Outreach Expo that’s on February 19th and in Oakland. I guarantee you there will be someone who tries to say ‘this person’ or ‘that person’ should not be involved (in what?). For God’s sake, avoid that person like the plague. Everyone, and I do mean everyone, has a role to play in planning for Super Bowl 50, and if we Oaklanders are proactive, we can make sure Oakland’s the place be during Super Bowl 50 Week.
Please come to The San Francisco Super Bowl 50 Host Committee Business Connect Workshop Resource Expo on Thursday, February 19th at 1 PM at The Scottish Rite Temple here in Oakland at 1547 Lakeside Drive.
The 50 Fund Playmakers Announcement
The San Francisco Super Bowl Host Committee (and I state that I don’t have a seat on it, but I’m on the media list), has asked me to inform you about its second 50 Fund grant program called “Playmakers.”
The signature philanthropic initiative of the San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee, 50 Fund is focused on helping close the opportunity gap that exists for Bay Area children, youth and young adults living in low-income communities.
The 50 Fund will provide 50 separate $10,000 Playmaker grants, one per week beginning February 23, to Bay Area nonprofits. In addition to receiving a grant, each selected nonprofit’s “playmaker” – a nominated staff or Board member, volunteer or community advocate who is making a significant impact through his or her work with the organization – will also be recognized.
“Through our 50 Fund Playmaker grants, we want to showcase Bay Area nonprofits that will make a real difference in the lives of our children, while recognizing that people are the lifeblood of any organization,” said Jason Trimiew, VP of Community Relations for the San Francisco Bay Super Bowl 50 Host Committee. “Our region has so many inspiring stories to share, and we look forward to shining a spotlight on 50 great ones over the coming year.”
Applications are welcome across 50 Fund’s three focus areas: youth development, community investment and sustainable environments. Applicants must include the nomination of the organization’s “playmaker,” in addition to describing how receiving a grant will have an immediate impact in the communities in which they operate.
Applications will be accepted during the months of February, May, August and November, and should include how their project helps to close the opportunity gap for children, youth and young adults. Nonprofits can learn about the eligibility criteria, official rules, and apply for Playmaker grants on 50 Fund’s website at www.50fund.org.
50 Fund will introduce additional grant programs for Bay Area nonprofits throughout 2015. Its first grant program, Game Changers, is aimed at large nonprofits with evidence of effectiveness at scale and the potential for greater impact. The first round of Game Changers closed on January 31, with grants for up to five organizations each being awarded up to a $500,000 grant to be awarded later this month. Two more rounds will be introduced in 2015 for organizations focused on community development and building the sustainability of the local environment, respectively.
“We are excited to partner with the host committee to help leave a legacy in the San Francisco Bay Area long after the last play of the Super Bowl,” said Anna Isaacson, the NFL’s vice president of social responsibility.
The NFL Foundation has made a $1 million grant to 50 Fund as part of its annual Super Bowl Legacy Grant Program. This is the largest contribution to 50 Fund to date and matches local private and public donations that have been made or pledged as part of the Host Committee’s commitment to give 25% of all the funds it raises back to community nonprofits through 50 Fund.
Stay tuned.
Zennie Abraham | Zennie Abraham or “Zennie62” is the founder of Zennie62Media which consists of zennie62blog.com and a multimedia blog news aggregator and video network, and 78-blog network, with social media and content development services and consulting. Zennie is a pioneer video blogger, YouTube Partner, social media practitioner, game developer, and pundit. Note: news aggregator content does not reflect the personal views of Mr. Abraham.