The 8D Network, a new auction house specializing in sports memorabilia with a mission of advancing charities supported by athletes, has been launched and is preparing for its inaugural auction this December.
The 8D Network comes from the team of professionals who have operated Game Used Universe since 2005, but who have decided to step up their efforts by donating 10% of their earnings to the causes within the 8D Network, and by providing (and creating, if requested), a place in their network to house the athlete’s website to support their charity of choice with the athlete’s personalization.
Already contained within the website – www.8DNetwork.com – are sites for the Panda Kids Foundation, the charity of San Francisco Giants’ Pablo Sandoval which supports underprivileged children, and the Gigante Project, selected by the Giants’ Andres Torres for treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In addition, there are numerous other athletes who have agreed to have their causes included in the 8D Network and those sites will be launched soon. A listing of these future sites can be found on the 8D Network website.
The company has been created by CEO Christopher Cavalier, the founder of Game Used Universe, and a 15-year veteran of the sports memorabilia industry. His executive staff includes Matthew Turcotte, CTO/VP Product Development, CFO John Zdanowski, and Ed Manguiat, Director of Auction Activities.
Items consigned to 8D for auction will come from athletes and celebrities within the network as well as third party consignors, whose items, according to organizers, will have to meet the strictest authentication criteria to be deemed worthy and legitimate.
The company’s inaugural auction includes the jersey worn by Chris Chambliss when his home run won the 1976 American League pennant for the Yankees; Vida Blue’s 1971 American League Most Valuable Player award and Hall of Famer Willie McCovey’s 1971 San Francisco Giants flannel jersey, a season in which the Giants won the N.L. West title.
“Any athlete with a cause can contact us and become part of our network,” said Cavalier. “This is an altruistic enterprise in which we present coveted memorabilia to the fans, provide a collective home and community for athlete’s charities, and contribute 10% of 8D’s net proceeds to the causes within our network. Many athletes are limited in their ability to raise additional funding and gain greater awareness. Our 8D Network will give them a home in which everyone benefits.
“Our end goal is to try to help as many people as possible, using America’s love for sports collectibles as a vehicle to raise money and bring attention to the fine athletes who do want to get involved in charities that matter.”
The inaugural 8D auction will go live in mid-November and run through December 9. The second 8D auction will be scheduled around the time of Super Bowl this winter. Further details about the inaugural 8D auction and future auctions can be found on the 8D website.
