4th Annual New Year's Day Charity Draft

by Kris Sonsteby, Freelance Writer

22nd December 2009

Over the past three years, the STCCG players from Minnesota and our neighboring states have managed to make (and actually keep) at least one life changing New Year's Resolution; a resolution to do all we can to help those less fortunate. While several of these kind-hearted “frozen chosen” offer assistance throughout the year individually, collectively we have played a part in an ongoing miracle simply by getting together on New Year’s Day to play the game we all love. Now you too can pitch in, as we cordially invite anyone who can join us to our 4th Annual FMSC New Year’s Day Charity Draft event!

Now entering its fourth consecutive year, this sealed deck tournament had its humble beginnings in 2007 when, following a successful title run at the 2006 World Championships, Caleb Grace took it upon himself to use his card-related winnings for the greater good. In what can only be classified as a tremendous outpouring of support, more than 20 people (including a handful of “retired” and “semi-retired” players) came out to play, in the end raising well over $500 for the Twin Cities chapter of Feed My Starving Children (to learn more about this wonderful charity or to donate yourself, please visit their website at www.fmsc.org.)

Following the rousing success of that first event, the Minnesota area ‘trek player base has kept the New Year’s Day tradition alive and raised, through the consistent generosity of the attendees and the spontaneous format improvisation of the tournament directors, a little over $1,500 in total for FMSC. Now, with the previously inconceivable $2,000 mark within sight, we’re asking the global player base to help us make someone’s holiday wish come true and to have a great time with us in the process!

Taking place this year at Outpost 2000 and Beyond in Coon Rapids, Minnesota at 1 p.m. on 1/1/10, the stipulations for this one-of-a-kind tournament are fairly simple… just about anything goes! That’s right! As was the case last year, once again (1) there will be no HQ reporting restrictions. Which means your drafted card pool and your imagination are the only limiting factors when determining who’ll attempt missions. Also as in year’s past, (2) round by round pairings will be anything but random. From the first through the final round, anyone will have the opportunity to donate their way out of (or into as the case may be) a game against any non-previously played opponent… from a former World Champion to a best friend, or both. As a secondary function of this stipulation, players will also be allowed to donate to pair up their friends and / or rivals with other attendees. And finally, as always (3) there are no explicit fees to participate in this event. While attendees are strongly encouraged to make a $20 donation at registration to cover product expenses and to add to our collective donation to Feed My Starving Children, this is by no means a hard and fast rule. The event itself is in essence a Christmas gift to our player base, so any amount that can be spared will gladly be accepted. Just remember to save a few extra bucks for the round by round pairings to make sure you get your shot at a World Champion or to toss your rival under the bus by pairing him up with one. Either way, it’s perfectly legal, because on this day everyone’s got a price!

So, if you’re looking to make New Year’s plans that will be both heart warming and hilarious this year, head north to Minnesota (or visit www.fmsc.org) and help us help someone else this holiday season through our 4th Annual Feed My Starving Children Charity Draft. You gotta be there!