How the Timberwolves treats its fans

funkatron101 · Post #1 » by **funkatron101** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:39 pm

I, like many, have gone to various games throughout the years, including game 7 against the Kings. But never with any regularity until recently. In 2009 I purchased a 10 game pack, and this past season I upgraded to 21 games. With a small child at home couldn't go to all home games, so I split my season tickets with my friend Jason. As a season ticket holder, I got to experience a lot of highs and lows (I admit many lows) from being in the stands this season. I got to see some magical moments sprinkled in between a lot of frustration.

The one thing I mentioned briefly before is how well the organization itself has treated Paul (PeeDee) and me (also Paul) throughout the past two seasons. We have been invited to Meet & Greets, Town Hall Meetings and Fan Panels. We have also had our seats upgraded three times. Each time no further than the sixth row, right in the middle.

With the recent news of our friend and fellow season ticket holder discovering that he has colon cancer, and progressively finding out the severity of his condition, we have been trying to think of anything we can to lift his spirits and to help him throughout this ordeal. I'm not one to ask for, or expect anything above and beyond when it comes to customer service, but I wanted some sort of memento for Jason that reminds him of the one thing that bonded us together this past year. Which was going to Timberwolves games. I emailed the Timberwolves asking if there was anything that they could provide, no matter how small.

I immediately got a reply from David Kahn, simply saying "I'm on it." A short time later I got heartfelt email from Ryan Tanke expressing his appreciation for us reaching out and saying that they will be gathering some items and sending them right away. I don't know what that all entails, and it really doesn't matter if it is merely a few small trinkets. The organization had absolutely no obligations to appease my request. But they did, and with sincerity and haste. I know whatever it is, Jason will appreciate it.

I may have suffered a lot of recent heartache and frustrations with this team lately, and my home and financial obligations may limit me from attending as many games as I would like to, but the Wolves have made me feel like a member of the family and have given me a real sense of community. From the staff members to the wacky seat mates (Ramon Sessions Girl), it has been an experience that I will never forget.

I will forever be a Timberwolves fan.

-Paul Cleary

shrink · Post #2 » by **shrink** » Wed May 11, 2011 10:49 pm

Thanks for sharing that.

Peezo · Post #3 » by **Peezo** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:16 pm

I appreciate you sharing that Paul.

A very sincere ARRRRRRRRRRRROOOOOOOOOOOOOO to you, and the best of wishes for your friend in his fight.

Post #4 » by **C.lupus** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:50 pm

Yes, thanks for sharing that. It sounds like you are a good friend, too. I sincerely wish the best for Jason. Tell him our thoughts are with him.

As for the TWolves organization...as frustrating as the team is to watch year in and year out, they are a class act. I don't care what people say about Kahn, it means a lot that he would personally respond like that. Not everybody would. I think McHale was probably a sincerely nice guy, too. Glen Taylor may not be successful as a sports owner (as far as on-court performance goes) but it is obvious that he runs his businesses the right way.

Krapinsky · Post #5 » by **Krapinsky** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:55 pm

C.lupus wrote:Yes, thanks for sharing that. It sounds like you are a good friend, too. I sincerely wish the best for Jason. Tell him our thoughts are with him.

As for the TWolves organization...as frustrating as the team is to watch year in and year out, they are a class act. I don't care what people say about Kahn, it means a lot that he would personally respond like that. Not everybody would. I think McHale was probably a sincerely nice guy, too. Glen Taylor may not be successful as a sports owner (as far as on-court performance goes) but it is obvious that he runs his businesses the right way.

+ 1

Well put.

Post #6 » by **Basti** » Wed May 11, 2011 11:57 pm

That was a great read. Thanks for sharing. Good luck to Jason, too!

jscott · Post #7 » by **jscott** » Thu May 12, 2011 12:06 am

Paul, that sucks about your friend Jason.

I sat in your seats once (you gave your tickets to me after you'd gotten better seats) and I am glad to hear the Wolves are taking care of your friend. I'm surprised that you heard directly from Kahn. I'm surprised (in a good way) that he would take that much personal interest in what's going on and that there is that level of communication within the organization so it was passed ahead to the right people.

Please update us with what was included for curiosity's sake.

Post #8 » by **The J Rocka** » Thu May 12, 2011 12:09 am

Great read. Thanks Paul for sharing. Pretty awesome of you to hit up the Wolves for Jason so he can have his spirit lifted. For the Wolves to acknowledge you and care is something that makes me proud to be a Wolves fan. Hope Jason keeps fighting and is back to being 100.

lewdog · Post #9 » by **lewdog** » Thu May 12, 2011 12:14 am

Thanks so much for putting our team’s woes into perspective. I am so proud that the Wolves responded so compassionately to your request. In the end, that’s what it’s all about! Good luck to your friend and you.

PeeDee · Post #10 » by **PeeDee** » Thu May 12, 2011 12:15 am

Thanks for posting this. I've never been more impressed with any organization than with how the Wolves have treated us over the past few years. The team may suck forever, but I will keep supporting them because they support us. They do great things in the community and it would be a huge blow to the state if they ever left.

I encourage any of you that are considering making the Wolves more a part of your lives not to have any trepidations.

Tha Juice · Post #11 » by **Tha Juice** » Thu May 12, 2011 1:06 am

Thanks for sharing this with us Paul. Jason is in my thoughts and prayers. Even though this team has been pretty bad for too many years now, one thing hasn't changed, and thats the generosity and caring attitude this organization has towards their fans and community. I applaud David Kahn for personally replying to your letter. I'm proud to be a Wolves fan.

cpfsf · Post #12 » by **cpfsf** » Thu May 12, 2011 1:23 am

I'll be honest, I thought this was going to be an article expressing frustration. I wouldn't have been offended if that was the case, but now I just feel like jerk for even assuming that. Thanks for sharing. Whoever is able to go to a game is lucky in my book. I really wish I could watch just one.

GopherIt! · Post #13 » by **GopherIt!** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:07 am

kahn the person: :thumbsup:

Busch Legion · Post #14 » by **Busch Legion** » Thu May 12, 2011 7:57 am

Go Wolves!

Go Jason!

funkatron101 · Post #15 » by **funkatron101** » Thu May 12, 2011 4:09 pm

Thanks for all the well-wishes. I just got an email from them saying that the package was delivered to the front door this morning. It took no more than two days. Amazing.

Jason's roommate has the package now. Jason is in the hospital right now, so I'm not sure when he will be able to open it.

GDG · Post #16 » by **GDG** » Thu May 12, 2011 4:29 pm

My very best wishes to Jason. No matter the outcome, having the support of friends like you is what matters. And heartfelt gestures like this that show him how much people like you (and the Wolves organization) care probably go a long way in providing both the physical and mental strength required to challenge and overcome such an affliction.

Major props to Kahn for his personal response, and major props to the Wolves organization as a whole. This is the type of thing that will cement my unwavering support for the team, no matter what the win/loss record is. In all honesty, this story took me from end of the season apathy back to hope and positivity. So, thanks for sharing Funkatron101!

eyeteeth · Post #17 » by **eyeteeth** » Fri May 13, 2011 3:32 am

Wow, thanks for sharing.

Clearly, David Kahn let it be known that he wants to be notified about this kind of contact. Sounds like a good organization.

One thing that people talked about when Kahn was brought on board with the Wolves was this mythical trail of hostility and broken relationships. I have never seen anything since Kahn took over to suggest that there is even an ounce of truth to this. In fact, it seems pretty clear he is a decent and compassionate guy. I guess haters gonna hate. Hopefully the basketball comes around and Kahn can enjoy a long and successful tenure as GM here.

I'm really sorry about your friend, PeeDee and Funk. I am 36 and I have two friends in chemo right now, brain cancer and breast cancer. It sounds like your friend is pretty bad off. I'm really sorry to hear that. Namaste.

funkatron101 · Post #18 » by **funkatron101** » Mon May 16, 2011 6:17 pm

Sorry to hear about your friends. Is it just because I am closer to the situation now, or does it seem like more people our age (I'm 32) are getting cancer? My wife has two coworkers, no older than 40, who are battling cancer. It's crazy.

Jason's going to be in the hospital for another week, then being moved to a transition facility. He is getting chemo and radiation basically at the same time. Not sure when he will be back home.

Word from his roommate is that the whatever is in the box that the Wolves sent, it is heavy, and there is also a huge envelope.

sheefo13 · Post #19 » by **sheefo13** » Tue May 17, 2011 12:50 pm

Wow, this is a great read. I hope your friend has a healthy recovery and everything turns out for the best. I typically do not post on the boards, as I usually just read, but I wanted to wish the best for you and your friend/ family.
As a recent graduate, and a lifelong Timberwolves fan, I have just been sold on buying season tickets for this coming year.

funkatron101 · Post #20 » by **funkatron101** » Tue May 17, 2011 3:09 pm

sheefo13 wrote:Wow, this is a great read. I hope your friend has a healthy recovery and everything turns out for the best. I typically do not post on the boards, as I usually just read, but I wanted to wish the best for you and your friend/ family.
As a recent graduate, and a lifelong Timberwolves fan, I have just been sold on buying season tickets for this coming year.

Nice!

If and when you do get season tickets, let your rep and Ryan Tanke (VP of ticket sales and premium seating) know about this. Not as a kudos to me, but as an acknowledgment that the efforts that the Timberwolves organization does for the community and for individuals does reap the benefit of more support.