Fund Raising to Help David Pirkola, Comics Retailer
34 Posted on Apr 27, 2008 in articles by ronAs reported by the Grand Rapids Press and discussed on the Bendis Board, David Pirkola, owner and operator of Apparitions Comics and Books in Grand Rapids, Michigan was robbed at his store and then shot by the robber. He is currently in stable, but critical condition at a local hospital.
We've with Thom, who works at Apparitions Comics and Books, and he confirmed that David is in the hospital and stable, but still severely injured. As you can imagine, no matter how speedy the recovery, getting back to running his business will be challenging. Even normally, running an independent comic book store is an incredibly difficult job, and many retailers often operate with limited or no personal health insurance. Given that retailers are such an important part of our industry, we want to help out as much as possible.
So iFanboy is putting out the call to you, comics fans to help a retailer in need. We've set up a PayPal donation button below to allow you donate as much as you'd like. You can use credit cards or bank accounts, and don't need a PayPal account to donate. All money donated will be sent to David Pirkola to help with his medical bills, as well as to keep his store afloat, so if you can spare it, please donate below.
We will also be reaching out to our friends in the industry to help as well, so stay tuned for possible giveways or auctions of comics goodness, the proceeds of which will go to helping David and his recovery.
2757 Ridgemoor Dr SE
Grand Rapids,Michigan
49512-1638
Phone: 616-940-2025
Google Maps
Below are some links to stories that have helped get the word out:
Journalista
Grand Rapids Press
Blog@Newsarama
PopCultureShock
The Beat
Monolith
The Secret of Wednesday's Haul
Writer's Old Fashioned
Becky Cloonan
Comics News Insider & Jimmy Aquino
Ben Templesmith
The Dollar Bin
Joke Books
Comic Addiction
05/06 UPDATE
Hey everyone, sorry for the delay in the updates. I spoke with Thom at Apparitions and got the update on Dave. He's still in critical condition, but he's making positive steps in the right direction, so everyone keep Dave in your prayers. And as TheFreakyTiki posted below, the alleged shooters have been caught! On the donations front, we've raised over $5,500 dollars! Plus we're gathering stuff for some great auctions to help raise money. So keep getting the word out and stay tuned for the auctions, it's gonna be worth it!
04/30 UPDATE
What else can I say? We crossed the $3,000 mark last night, which is amazing and we're busy lining up the charity auction that is going to knock your socks off. So keep spreading the word - tell your friends and your local comic shop when you pick up your books today!
04/29 UPDATE
An amazing day yesterday, as last night we crossed over the $2,000 mark in donations. Thank you to everyone who donated and please keep getting the word out and keep the donations coming in. We've been hitting the email and the phones and we're putting together some amazing things to come. Think your favorite creators and your favorite publishers....think charity auctions...think awesome signed comics and comics related stuff - and it will all go to help Dave and his recovery. Stay tuned for more details!
04/28 UPDATE
WOW - What a turnout everyone - in less than 24 hours (and on a Sunday no less), we've already raised over $1,000! Please keep getting the word out and letting people know.
Comments
Just donated. Wish I could afford to give more. This is a tragedy. Please keep us updated on David.
Posted by Eyun on 04/27/08 at 05:30 PM
THIS is why I love the comics community. We take care of our own. Everyone donate. Every dollar will help a guy who loved the hobby we adore.
Great job setting this up boys! :)
Posted by thefreakytiki on 04/27/08 at 05:39 PM
@thefreakytiki - You're so right. No one has been more supportive than the fanboy community. I've decided to skip next week's comics and give another $10 to help this guy.
Posted by Eyun on 04/27/08 at 05:52 PM
Saw this at the Benbo and had to pitch in. Thanks to you uys for setting this up and thanks to everyone who donates anything at all. This is a great cause.
Posted by rodnunley on 04/27/08 at 06:05 PM
This URL needs to be sent to Newsarama/the Beat/CBR/ ICv2 etc. to spread the word. The more people that know, the better chance that this this gentleman will be able to get back on his feet.
the Tiki
Posted by thefreakytiki on 04/27/08 at 06:28 PM
Yes, thank you for setting this up! Awesome!
Scarf
Posted by Blackscarf on 04/27/08 at 07:50 PM
I get paid next week. There will definitely be a donation then.
Great cause. Glad to see all parts of the industry seem to be trying to do something. Good stuff.
Posted by esophagus on 04/27/08 at 09:47 PM
Capital City Collectibles is mine and Roblaw's LCS. David is an awesome guy. Thanks for setting this up.
Posted by misterS on 04/27/08 at 11:08 PM
i sadly don't have the funds to donate at this time. i do however have lot of comic books and collectibles i would gladly donate for any kind of fund raising sales of any type here in grand rapids.
you guys are awesome for setting this up. and i hope that mr pirkola makes a speedy recovery.
Posted by kitsune on 04/27/08 at 11:25 PM
Thank you guys so much for reporting this, and for putting up the link to donate. I'm glad I had a chance to.
Its good to know we have such a strong online community.
Posted by Ben0Bugenig on 04/27/08 at 11:38 PM
I gave my money! I'm glad that so many people are helping out!
Posted by gordon on 04/27/08 at 11:49 PM
I go to the shop this happend at and will be donating money too
Posted by doddzilla on 04/28/08 at 03:44 AM
I just donated to the worthy cause.
Posted by s1lentslayer on 04/28/08 at 08:11 AM
Gave my $20. Wonder if HERO initiative would be inclined to help too?
Posted by DanLikesBeer on 04/28/08 at 01:07 PM
just supported him the best way possible. I went and bought invencable ultimate collection vol. one.
I talked to the guy in the store and he said they still don't know how he is going to be yet. So along with your money please add some prayers too.
Posted by doddzilla on 04/28/08 at 01:28 PM
Capital City Collectibles is my LCS. I've never been there because I just got into comics but it's the closest one to me and I've been trying to work up the nerve to go in. I'll be donating for sure.
Posted by DustCoveredTravis on 04/28/08 at 03:03 PM
I want to thank not just iFanboy, but the whole comic community for being so great about this
Posted by Hank on 04/28/08 at 04:16 PM
This community is so wonderful!! Things like this are tragic, but at the same time it's through adversity that everyone can stand up and really show their true colors. I'm so impressed and feel privileged to be associated with this awesome group of people.
Posted by Dez on 04/28/08 at 06:28 PM
The community, his friends and his family have all been so amazing with all their generous and thoughtful support!! Thanks so much everyone!!!!
We all miss you Davers!
Posted by GRFamily0f4 on 04/29/08 at 03:13 PM
Besides making a donation, I've blogged about the drive over at the Graphic Novel Archive. Kudos to IFanboy for putting this effort together!
Posted by JeffGNA on 04/29/08 at 03:14 PM
I dropped some cash on this, blogged it on DA/Livejournal and have also thought up an idea for a fundraiser. Anyone know who I should contact to get the info on where to send any money if I get this fundraiser off the ground?
Posted by johnchrist on 04/30/08 at 01:47 PM
john,
616-940-2025
ask for Thom
Posted by GRFamily0f4 on 04/30/08 at 01:52 PM
Thanks for doing this. I worked for Dave for many years, and he's a great guy. It's really inspiring that so many people are willing to help in this time of tragedy.
There's a banner ad on my website directing people here. www.spunkybean.com
Thank you.
Posted by EJFeddes on 04/30/08 at 07:46 PM
Dave, if you read this someday man, I hope that you are back a hundred ten percent. I remember biking to your store when I was a kid. Your store has stuck in my head as being THE comic book store and I would not be the same person that I am today were it not for you and your store. Pull through this man, I'm definatly rooting for you.
If you are on Facebook, check out the group I started there "Help David Pirkola!" and if you have not donated yet, seriously what are you waiting for?
Posted by Venerie on 05/04/08 at 06:40 PM
We need an update (well at least I do ;) )
the Tiki
Posted by thefreakytiki on 05/05/08 at 03:29 PM
@thefreakytiki Update Coming Tonite!
Posted by ron on 05/05/08 at 04:39 PM
Alleged shooters have been caught...
http://www.wzzm13.com/news/news_article.aspx?storyid=91782
the Tiki
Posted by thefreakytiki on 05/06/08 at 08:29 PM
thanks Tiki! New update posted above!
Posted by ron on 05/06/08 at 10:04 PM
5/07/08 Greetings, iFanboy Comics Fans -
I feel like a dolt and like I have been on the Slow Boat!
I just now realized that the injured Store Owner in that shooting is the same David Pirkola that is a Member of our local Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce! I had heard about the shooting on the radio. (At that point, they had not yet released his name.) We did not make the connection until I followed up on the news story and surfed into your (terrific!) web site and saw all your posts!
Our Chamber is about 650 Businesses strong, with close to 24,000 employees in total. I will be putting the word out to our Local Business Community that you have established this fund for David and will encourage everyone to make a significant contribution to it for David.
I feel bad that it took us this long to complete this loop, but this Business Community will do what we can to help David and Apparitions get through this tough time. We're right here on the ground in and around his neighborhood, so if any of you hear of anything that we might be able to help with, please feel free to let me know.
Thanks for all that you are doing!
John J. Crawford, President & CEO - Wyoming-Kentwood Area Chamber of Commerce
590 32nd Street SE, Wyoming, MI 49548-2345 616-531-5990 john@southkent.org
Posted by MrChamber on 05/07/08 at 11:46 PM
I buy all my trades here. Does anyone else shop here?
Posted by doddzilla on 05/08/08 at 08:45 AM
I mentioned this over on the Benbo, but I thought I'd add it here, too. You guys are awesome for setting this up. We should all do what we can to help David out.
Posted by JackRabbitt on 04/27/08 at 05:01 PM