Fellow Members of the Gaming Community:

As many of you may know, my first son, Jack Reuben Vasel, was born two months premature last year. Jack spent his short lifetime in an ICU before passing on.

The gaming community rallied around me in my hour of need and raised tens of thousands of dollars to help pay medical and other expenses. This generosity both awed and moved me.

I want to pay these kindnesses forward to help others in the community who find themselves in similar straits.

That's why I formed the Jack Vasel Memorial Fund (www.JackVasel.org). The fund is a not-for-profit with a simple goal: raising and distributing funds to help gamers in their hour of need.

The fund will mainly raise money through auctions of games and game-related items. The first annual auction will happen later this year, from November 1-15 (Jack's first birthday). Watch www.JackVasel.org and www.BoardGameGeek.com for more details in the coming months.

How you can join the cause

• Wear a badge ribbon at Gen Con: If you'd like to show your support here at Gen Con, you can wear one of the fund's badge ribbons. Just ask -- we'll be glad to give one to you.
• Join our mailing list: Stay updated on the fund's activities, announcements, and more. To sign up, send an email to JackVasel@gmail.com. (We'll never sell, rent, or give away your email address.)
• Donate to the fund: Individuals and organizations who give monetary donations or product for the auctions will get special digital supporter insignias. The insignias may be put on physical products or websites. More details are at www.JackVasel.org/donate.

Happy Gaming!

Tom Vasel Host, The Dice Tower
Executive Director, Jack Vasel Memorial Fund