Alaska donates PHP100k to PBA game day crew as COVID-19 halts play

Jeffrey Cariaso is pledging cash on behalf of the Aces to the PBA's game day employees. Dennis Acosta (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Coach Jeffrey Cariaso said on Wednesday that Alaska will help the PBA in helping the league's job order employees who were heavily affected by the postponement of games due to the novel coronavirus scare.

"To coincide with the PBA’s initiative to support those people who are not regular employees, I am making a pledge to donate PHP100,000 [Alaska PHP50,000, REB (Aces governor Richard 'Dickey' Bachmann) PHP25,000, me PHP25,000] to our hard working PBA game day personnel who are severely affected by the cancellation/ delay of our season," Cariaso said through Twitter.

To coincide with the PBA’s initiative to support those people who are not regular employees, I am making a pledge to donate 100k ( Alaska 50k, REB 25k, Me 25k ) to our hard working PBA game day personnel who are severely affected by the cancellation/ delay of our season.

— Jeff Cariaso (@thejet_22) March 18, 2020

The said employees, according to Cariaso, are those who are only summoned for work during game day.

"Those without monthly salaries are our statisticians, table officials, gate keepers, entertainment personnel (blue boys), and our parking and operations personnel. These individuals are the hard working people behind the scenes that allow players and teams to showcase what we do best," he further said.

He then vowed, "My goal is to make up for the at least 2 months worth of wages for those individuals relying heavily on the games," adding that anyone who wants to help him raise funds can contact him directly.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno_