A Houston Texans fan is asking fellow team supporters to put their money where their mouths are. Houston resident Taylor Gahm started a fundraising site to donate money towards the $25,000 fine Texan wide receiver Andre Johnson received from the NFL for his brawl with Titan defensive back Cortland Finnegan in their November 28 match up.
Gahm acknowledges that Johnson is well-equipped to pay the fine and not in need of the money, saying that his effort started out as a tongue-in-cheek opportunity to allow fans to "say thanks to Johnson for how he 'manhandled' Finnegan.” But less than 12 hours after launching the fundraising site at http://www.25for80.com, Gahm was doing on-camera interviews with local CBS and NBC news affiliates. Upon hearing about Gahm's website, Johnson told reporters that he would donate any money raised towards buying Christmas presents for needy children. Thus, the $25,000 fundraising effort became a charity drive for needy kids in honor of Johnson.
"This is the perfect storm!" said Gahm. "Fans get to publicly thank Johnson for what he did, and can feel like they are joining in this fine with him. Plus, 100 percent of the money raised goes to needy kids!"
The fundraising website http://www.25for80.com received more than 6,000 hits, raising over $1,200 in the first 24 hours. Gahm is asking Texans fans and NFL fans alike to say thanks to Johnson for obliging Finnegan’s request for a whooping by donating to charity. To view the original YouTube video in which Gahm explains his intentions, motivations and feelings toward the NFL for imposing the fine, see below.
Fans have until December 10th to raise money; currently, over $1,400 has been raised. Gahm is available for interviews by phone, email or in person. For more information on this fundraiser, or to donate, go to http://www.25for80.com.
Gahm’s fundraising site is hosted by IndieGoGo, a third-party crowdfunding site that is handling the funds exclusively and will transfer the money directly to Johnson’s charity of choice after the 10-day campaign ends.
Gahm is a supporter of The Star of Hope, a local shelter in Houston. Gahm has also contributed towards feeding hungry children around the world through organizations such as WorldVision and ChildFund.
Gahm is an accomplished music video director and an internationally commissioned photographer. Gahm blogs about exposing larger than life photography at http://www.clixandpixels.com.
Taylor Gahm welcomes the opportunity for interviews, by phone, email, or in person - contact him via office(at)clixandpixels(dot)com.
