The Black Hole Raider Boosters had their annual Raider fan Draft Party scheduled on Friday, April 29th (Rounds 2-3) at Otaez Mexican Restaurant in Alameda — then tragedy struck.
The owner of the restaurant was gunned down and killed in a botched robbery attempt. The incident sent a shockwave through the Raider Nation and the draft party was canceled. But now the show is back on, with a renewed purpose.
Here is what the event organizers had to say:
“It is with a heavy heart that we announce The Black Hole 2011 NFL Draft party will continue as scheduled on Friday April 29th (4pm to 12am).
“The owner (Jesus “Chuy” Campos) of Otaez Mexican Restaurant was tragically gunned down in cold blood on Friday April 8th in the Fruitvale district of Oakland.
“Following this tragic incident, The Black Hole, the Hazmat Boyz, Hi Point Sports and Entertainment and others involved in the planning of our draft party decided that the right thing to do out of respect to the Campos family was to cancel the festivities. However, Rolando Campos (Son of Jesus and member of the Raider Nation and part of The Black Hole family) relayed the message that ‘My father always taught us that the show must go on’…… So with that said we have decided to respect his wishes and continue on with the event.
“The originally planned Black Hole Draft Party put together earlier this year to include the 2011 NFL draft, live performance and video shoot with The Hazmat Boyz, the return of The Lowdown Band and DJ Raider Raza will continue as scheduled. The video shoot portion of the evening will be scheduled at a later date as this part of the festivities seemed inappropriate in light of the circumstances.
“So what promises to be an entertaining night will now have an important added element as the proceeds from all ticket sales will go towards the Campos Family Reward Fund (For tickets call 707-557-1700 or purchase online at http://theblackholedraftparty.eventbrite.com/ ) to assist in the capture and conviction of the individuals who carried out this horrific crime that took the life of a great man who was a pillar in his community.
“Come and join us at The Black Hole 2011 Raider Draft party with Raider personalities, live entertainment by The Lowdown Band, DJ Raider Raza and special performances by Enoc and The Hazmat Boyz who will be performing their hits “Total Eclipse”, “Black & Silver” and for the first time ever their 2011 Black Hole Anthem “Solidarity” and much much more…… Let’s show the power of the Raider Nation by coming together in support of Rolando Campos and his family.”
So If you are in the Oakland area during draft time, get out to Otaez in Alameda and be there when the Raiders make their first pick of the 2011 NFL draft at #48 in round 2. There will also be several Raider Legends on hand to meet, sign autographs, and give photo opportunities. You will be helping to support the effort to find those responsible for the atrocities brought upon a beloved member of the Raider Nation. Tickets are just $20 and they include appetizers, door prizes, and raffle tickets.
Even if you are not in the Oakland area that weekend, now might be a good time to make plans to be. Because on top of the Black Hole round 2-3 Draft Party, the Oakland Raiders have planned an event the evening before to coincide with the first round of the NFL draft.
The event will take place from 4pm to 9pm at Everett & Jones in Jack London Square in Oakland. It is completely free and open to the public. It will feature live music, a raffle, autograph sessions and photo opportunities with Raider Legends and Raiderettes, as well as a live big screen broadcast of round one of the NFL draft in New York City.
In total, that’s 12 hours over two days of Raider festivities with Raider Legends, Raider tunes, and Raider super fans. Probably not something you’ll want to miss if you can help it.
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