$108K Raised for Victims of San Bruno Fire

Before the first pitch at Tuesday's Giants game, the players and fans observed a moment of silence for the victims of the recent fire in San Bruno.

And in a show of solidarity with their Peninsula neighbors, the San Francisco Giants will donate more than $108,000—$3 from every ticket sold for the game vs. the L.A. Dodgers on Sept. 14—to the City of San Bruno Glenview Fire Victims Fund.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the residents of San Bruno," said Larry Baer, Giants president and CEO. "San Bruno families have been passionate Giants fans for more than 50 years. Now it is our turn to give them the support they need during this difficult time."

In addition to the proceeds from ticket sales, the Giants collected donations from fans at the gates and at the Community Clubhouse, a hospitality tent, on the Promenade.

"It's the right thing to do," said Mountain View resident Kathy Elmore, after she dropped some money in the orange-and-white bucket. "It makes me cry, it's so sad. Fifty-eight people can't go to their homes, and in a week people will forget. It's the right thing to do."

According to volunteers, before game time, fans donated bags of clothes and shoes, but many just happened to walk by and, like Elmore, put money in the bucket.

One such person, Sue Larson, sent an e-mail out to her co-workers and asked them to donate. In total she collected $80 in gift cards.

"We had two people we knew [in San Bruno]; one friend, her house was spared," said the resident from Morgan Hill. "The other, she lost her cats. It's like for an earthquake or hurricane. You have to help each other."

Though he didn't have to, Giants employee and San Bruno resident Sam Heikel decided to volunteer and help collect donations. Heikel admitted he could have taken the night off but decided to hang out at the tent.

"I'm still a little sad, well, sad isn't really the right word," said the resident of the Mills Park area. "I'm happy to help out in some small way."