It's Tuesday evening, and today has been insane! Here's an update on the events of the last day and a half.
At close to noon on Monday the 17th we received an update from the Texas A&M Foundation that put the number of donations at $12,760. We were almost halfway to the goal of $25,000 needed to create a permanent scholarship in memory of Joseph. But we had noticed that donations were slowing, and were working on a second push to try and generate more interest.
Last night on the TexAgs premium board, a poster who calls himself "SmackDaddy" laid down some smack indeed. He pointed out that donations had slowed down, and that in his opinion that was unacceptable. He then issued a challenge to other posters, offering 2500 of his own money to match any donations from other posters of over $50 or more. His challenge was immediately met with a matching offer of $2500.
What followed was what can only be described as the best kind of one-upmanship. Offers to match gifts were made. We received a text last night from Joseph's mom who was quietly watching this progress. We had no idea this was happening.
When I woke up this morning and jumped on TexAgs this thing had exploded! I had planned a busy day of connecting with the media to give the effort a shot in the arm. That shot had already been given by these incredibly generous Aggies.
As I watched this unfolding I received a call from Steve Fullhart at KBTX in Bryan requesting an interview on this evening's 4pm newscast. (You can watch the story on the KBTX website here)
In the meantime the updates from the Texas A&M Foundation started rolling in:
9:59am
Online gifts to the Joey V. Fund now total $22,409!
In gifts just from yesterday and today, y'all raised almost $10,000!
Who is going to push the account over the endowment level of $25,000?!
Thanks
again for all you've done to support Texas A&M students. This was
truly a grassroots effort and speaks to the power and generosity of
TexAgs users and former students.
10:36am
Just $816 away from endowment level from online gifts alone.
That's right, the total is at $24,184!
10:48am
You did it! In less than two weeks, you have created an endowed scholarship in memory of Joey V!
As of 10:45 a.m., online gifts total $25,759 for the now endowed scholarship.
Gifts have continued to roll in as the day progressed from there. My press release, which was intended to garner media attention to help generate some interest and get us back on track, was rendered moot, so I had to rewrite it. I've never been happier to have to start over on a project.
In the coming weeks the Villavisencio family will work with the Foundation to set the limits on what type of student will receive the scholarship. In the meantime, you can continue to give via the Foundation website. Any extra funds given will go to the principle, which increases the amount a deserving student will benefit from this fund.
Finally, I want to reiterate that the entire point of this project is to remember Joseph Villavisencio, a remarkable young man who touched many lives and served others. If you've not read the bio posted on this blog, please take a few moments to do so.
To those who have given and continue to do so, we cannot fully express our gratitude. In 12 days you helped shape a vague idea into a remarkable reality.
Tuesday, December 18, 2012
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Joseph Andrew Villavisencio
To most Texas A&M football fans, Joseph Andrew Villavisencio was known by the nickname given to him by his teammates, “Joey V”. To his teammates at Jacksonville High School, he was known as "Big Joe". To those who knew him off the field, he was simply known as "Joseph". But no matter what they called him, those who had the pleasure of knowing him remember him as a young man of principle who served others, made them laugh, and had a robust passion for life.
Joseph
was born on September 30, 1989 in Jacksonville,
Texas. Joseph was baptized and commissioned at the First United Methodist Church of Jacksonville. As a boy and youth he was an active participant in the church, even serving as an acolyte and a member of the choir.
Joseph had two loves as a teen: football and playing the tuba. He was equally accomplished at both. Not wanting to choose between the two he explained to his coaches that if he was forced to choose between the two, he would choose band. Given Joseph's size and athleticism, the decision to allow him to do both was an easy one. Throughout his high school years he could be seen on Friday nights playing on the offensive line for the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indian Football Team, and at halftime playing sousaphone for the Fightin' Indian Marching Band. He would then return to the field of play. In spite of these two roles, he never missing a snap during his entire high school career.
During his sophomore season of football he was named 2nd Team All District, then 1st Team All District and 1st Team All Area his Junior year. His senior year, he was named 1st Team All District and Area, 2nd Team All State. In 2008 he was invited to play for the North in the Texas High School Football Association's All Star Game at the Alamodome. The North defeated the South, 16-15.
In band, he qualified for UIL State his freshman, sophmore, junior, and senior years in solos and/or ensembles. He played All Region in symphonic band all four years, and was recognized as a Texas Music Scholar throughout his high school career.
In addition to football and music, Joseph was had an incredible intellect. A passionate reader, he could devour a Harry Potter no time. He excelled academically as well. His junior year he went to UIL State in Biology. He graduated 4th in his class at JHS, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and as a National Hispanic Scholar. He lettered in band, football, and academics. In addition, his classmates voted him Most Likely to Succeed.
Joseph had two loves as a teen: football and playing the tuba. He was equally accomplished at both. Not wanting to choose between the two he explained to his coaches that if he was forced to choose between the two, he would choose band. Given Joseph's size and athleticism, the decision to allow him to do both was an easy one. Throughout his high school years he could be seen on Friday nights playing on the offensive line for the Jacksonville High School Fightin' Indian Football Team, and at halftime playing sousaphone for the Fightin' Indian Marching Band. He would then return to the field of play. In spite of these two roles, he never missing a snap during his entire high school career.
During his sophomore season of football he was named 2nd Team All District, then 1st Team All District and 1st Team All Area his Junior year. His senior year, he was named 1st Team All District and Area, 2nd Team All State. In 2008 he was invited to play for the North in the Texas High School Football Association's All Star Game at the Alamodome. The North defeated the South, 16-15.
In band, he qualified for UIL State his freshman, sophmore, junior, and senior years in solos and/or ensembles. He played All Region in symphonic band all four years, and was recognized as a Texas Music Scholar throughout his high school career.
In addition to football and music, Joseph was had an incredible intellect. A passionate reader, he could devour a Harry Potter no time. He excelled academically as well. His junior year he went to UIL State in Biology. He graduated 4th in his class at JHS, earning recognition as an AP Scholar with Distinction, and as a National Hispanic Scholar. He lettered in band, football, and academics. In addition, his classmates voted him Most Likely to Succeed.
When
Joseph was first contemplated where he might spend his college years, Rice
University was high on his list. Studying in a quality engineering program was his biggest priority, and
the program at Rice had his attention.
The possibility of playing football at the collegiate level, especially
on scholarship, had not crossed his mind.
Much to his and his family’s surprise, recruiting letters began to
arrive during his junior year of high school. Among them was a letter from Texas A&M. Joseph had doubts about whether he would ever be offered a scholarship, but at his family's urging, he decided to make a few recruiting trips and explore his options.
Joseph was recruited by then offensive line coach Jim Bob Helduser. He made his first trip to Texas A&M to attend the Aggie’s 2006 game against Louisiana Tech at Kyle Field. His family recalls that he was "blown away" by the game day experience. However, he was receiving interest from other schools as well, including the University of Texas. Joseph made the decision to attend the November 24, 2006 Texas A&M-Texas game at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. This would give him a chance to both experience a Longhorn game weekend, and to see how the Aggies performed in their rival’s hometown. During the game, Joseph found himself pulling for the Aggies, who left Austin with a 12-7 victory. Following that game, he made the decision to come to Texas A&M, whether or not he would do so as an athlete. Joseph jumped on the scholarship offer in January 2007. While there was concern over the change in coaching staff, as well as an offer from Rice University, Joseph stuck to his original commitment .
In 2008 Joseph officially became a member
of the Texas A&M University Class of 2012 as a Biomedical Engineering major. He also joined the Fightin’ Texas Aggie Football Team. He started the 2008 season on the practice squad, but earned a starting spot for the Iowa State game in Ames. He served on the travel squad from that game on, alternating between both the guard and center positions. Coach Mike Sherman said of Joseph, "He was one of the most respectful and high character players I have ever coached."(1) By the end of his football career at Texas A&M Joseph was a four year letterman.
His biggest contribution to the team was his commitment to the freshmen offensive linemen. He spent a great deal of time working with them and helping them understand the playbook. He also centered for another now famous redshirt freshman, Johnny Manziel. His family tells us that Joseph would have been proud of what Manziel and fellow teammate Luke Joeckel have accomplished personally, and what the Aggies have accomplished as a team in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference.
As much as he had accomplished as an athlete, Joseph never saw himself as primarily a football player. He had friends and interests beyond the football field, including engineering and service opportunities. Joseph's mom recalled him sharing that it was common for friends outside the football program to learn that he played football and ask, "For who?" While he was grateful for the opportunity to play for the Aggies, he was never braggadocios about that honor. The humility he had about his role on the team further evidenced his character and maturity.
Off the gridiron, Joseph had another passion at Texas A&M: his work with CARPOOL, a non-profit student-run organization that provides safe rides home for anyone in the Bryan/College Station area on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Joseph was an active participant, giving rides to students and B/CS residents, many of whom had been drinking and were unable to safely make their way home. He became a leader within the organization, and at the time of his passing was in line to receive a staff position with the organization. Joseph often shared with his family the latest news on CARPOOL, including how many lives they had saved by simply being available to offer others a safe ride home.
His biggest contribution to the team was his commitment to the freshmen offensive linemen. He spent a great deal of time working with them and helping them understand the playbook. He also centered for another now famous redshirt freshman, Johnny Manziel. His family tells us that Joseph would have been proud of what Manziel and fellow teammate Luke Joeckel have accomplished personally, and what the Aggies have accomplished as a team in their inaugural season in the Southeastern Conference.
As much as he had accomplished as an athlete, Joseph never saw himself as primarily a football player. He had friends and interests beyond the football field, including engineering and service opportunities. Joseph's mom recalled him sharing that it was common for friends outside the football program to learn that he played football and ask, "For who?" While he was grateful for the opportunity to play for the Aggies, he was never braggadocios about that honor. The humility he had about his role on the team further evidenced his character and maturity.
Off the gridiron, Joseph had another passion at Texas A&M: his work with CARPOOL, a non-profit student-run organization that provides safe rides home for anyone in the Bryan/College Station area on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights. Joseph was an active participant, giving rides to students and B/CS residents, many of whom had been drinking and were unable to safely make their way home. He became a leader within the organization, and at the time of his passing was in line to receive a staff position with the organization. Joseph often shared with his family the latest news on CARPOOL, including how many lives they had saved by simply being available to offer others a safe ride home.
December 22, 2011 began as a day of celebration for Joseph. It was his last day of practice at Kyle Field as a member of the football team. The Aggies were preparing for their appearance in the Meineke Car Care Bowl. He was looking forward to being "just a student" and volunteering more time with CARPOOL. That afternoon Joseph was killed in an automobile accident while heading home for the Christmas holiday. True to his
spirit and life of service, he spent that morning working with then redshirt Joseph Cheek. Following that workout he joined the football team in delivering Christmas gifts to
families at a local shelter.
During his freshman year, offensive line coach Jim Turner asked all of the offensive linemen to describle themselves in one word. Joseph chose the word "tenacity". In the same questionnaire, underneath the word, he wrote, "I will not compromise my moral standards in the face of peer pressure." This statement embodied who Joseph was and how he will be remembered.
Joseph is survived by his mother and father, Christine and Jose “Victor” Villavisencio, and his sister Mikaela (a current Texas A&M student), and his extended family, all of whom loved him dearly, and were loved and inspired by him as well.
On behalf of the Villavisencio family and the volunteers working to make this scholarship fund a reality, thank you for taking the time to learn more about Joseph. Please consider giving to make this scholarship fund a reality by visiting the Texas A&M Foundation website and making a contribution.
During his freshman year, offensive line coach Jim Turner asked all of the offensive linemen to describle themselves in one word. Joseph chose the word "tenacity". In the same questionnaire, underneath the word, he wrote, "I will not compromise my moral standards in the face of peer pressure." This statement embodied who Joseph was and how he will be remembered.
Joseph is survived by his mother and father, Christine and Jose “Victor” Villavisencio, and his sister Mikaela (a current Texas A&M student), and his extended family, all of whom loved him dearly, and were loved and inspired by him as well.
On behalf of the Villavisencio family and the volunteers working to make this scholarship fund a reality, thank you for taking the time to learn more about Joseph. Please consider giving to make this scholarship fund a reality by visiting the Texas A&M Foundation website and making a contribution.
Citations
(1) Aggies lineman dies in car crash, Thursday, Dec 22, 2011. Houston Chronicle, http://blog.chron.com/aggies/2011/12/aggies-lineman-dies-in-car-crash/
Saturday, December 8, 2012
What We're About and How You Can Give
First, let me say on behalf of the Villavisencio family, thanks for your participation in this effort. Joseph Villavisencio was a great young man. Many of you know him as a member of the Fightin' Texas Aggie Football team, but he was much more. He was a beloved son and brother to his family, a friend to many both in his hometown Jacksonville and at Texas A&M, and a man who took service to his fellow students very seriously.
Joseph was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December, 2011.
This is a grassroots effort to build a scholarship fund in his honor. It began as a thread on the football fan site TexAgs.com reminding posters of the tragedy and to not forget the Villavisencio family and their loss this holiday season. One person suggested posters "do some thing nice in (Joseph's) name". Another suggested pooling money in his name. A third suggested a scholarship fund. Excitement grew, volunteers came forward, and before long this grassroots effort to remember a fallen Aggie was born.
In the days to come there will be more posts to come, including a solid bio of Joseph. Many of us know him simply as a football player, but he was much more, and his family is excited for others to learn about who he was not just on the gridiron, but off of it.
In the meantime, giving to the fund has already begun. You too can add to the fund and help us solidify Joseph's memory while at the same time providing financial support to students at Texas A&M University. Here's how:
Donations can be made in two ways:
1. You can send a check to check to the Texas A&M Foundation with "Joseph Villavisencio Fund" in the memo line. The address is:
The Texas A&M Foundation
401 George Bush Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
2. Gifts can be made through the Texas A&M Foundation Website here. The following page will be displayed:
Follow the instructions in the image to designate your gift in Joseph's name.
Please Note: For tax/accounting purposes the Foundation has requested that we refrain from using the words "Endowed" or "Endowment" in any donations until the scholarship has hit the required $25,000 mark to become officially endowed. Please use "Joey Villavisencio Fund" and all the funds will be directed into the account. The Foundation will then work with the Villavisencio family to identify how the funds should be dispersed. Should we not reach the $25,000 mark, the funds will be dispersed per the family's wishes.
Thanks for your support of this effort. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well, and tell your friends and fellow Ags who haven't heard! Finally, please keep the Villavisencio family in your thoughts and prayers as they mark the year annivesary of Joseph's death, and remember his life.
Joseph was tragically killed in an automobile accident in December, 2011.
This is a grassroots effort to build a scholarship fund in his honor. It began as a thread on the football fan site TexAgs.com reminding posters of the tragedy and to not forget the Villavisencio family and their loss this holiday season. One person suggested posters "do some thing nice in (Joseph's) name". Another suggested pooling money in his name. A third suggested a scholarship fund. Excitement grew, volunteers came forward, and before long this grassroots effort to remember a fallen Aggie was born.
In the days to come there will be more posts to come, including a solid bio of Joseph. Many of us know him simply as a football player, but he was much more, and his family is excited for others to learn about who he was not just on the gridiron, but off of it.
In the meantime, giving to the fund has already begun. You too can add to the fund and help us solidify Joseph's memory while at the same time providing financial support to students at Texas A&M University. Here's how:
Donations can be made in two ways:
1. You can send a check to check to the Texas A&M Foundation with "Joseph Villavisencio Fund" in the memo line. The address is:
The Texas A&M Foundation
401 George Bush Drive
College Station, Texas 77840
2. Gifts can be made through the Texas A&M Foundation Website here. The following page will be displayed:
Please Note: For tax/accounting purposes the Foundation has requested that we refrain from using the words "Endowed" or "Endowment" in any donations until the scholarship has hit the required $25,000 mark to become officially endowed. Please use "Joey Villavisencio Fund" and all the funds will be directed into the account. The Foundation will then work with the Villavisencio family to identify how the funds should be dispersed. Should we not reach the $25,000 mark, the funds will be dispersed per the family's wishes.
Thanks for your support of this effort. Please follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well, and tell your friends and fellow Ags who haven't heard! Finally, please keep the Villavisencio family in your thoughts and prayers as they mark the year annivesary of Joseph's death, and remember his life.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)