The season feels like it is in full swing! The schedule is all set (minus Champions League) with the Manchester United friendly added during the summer time! Gorilla FC has had a ton of support from new members this year, and it’s been a blast meeting everyone at the first couple of games.

JAPAN BOWLING BENEFIT UPDATE

We had a great benefit in March for the Japan Red Cross relief. You can see a video of the news coverage on the Sounders FC website here. All together, our collective efforts with Garage Billiards and Sounders FC brought in approximately $3,500 for the relief. Way to go Gorilla FC!

REQUEST FOR GORILLA FC TALENT AND HELP

As a collective, we count on the “collective” effort of our entire membership whenever possible. If you have an idea, skill, benefit, etc. you can bring forward to the organization, please do so by either talking with a Gorilla FC captain or send an email to gorillafc@gmail.com. Gorilla FC captains always encourage more involvement whenever, and wherever possible. Many thanks!

PORTLAND BUS TRIP UPDATE

We are ecstatic about our bus trip to Portland to take on the Timbers! Even more so that our bus trip is completely sold out and will be carrying pumped up and enthusiastic Gorilla FC fans to PGE Park! If you need more information regarding the trip, please talk with Kevin Zelko or send off an email to gorillafc@gmail.com

GORILLA FC 2011 KIT AND A NEW SWEATSHIRT DESIGN

If you have not taken the time to purchase your Gorilla FC 2011 kit, you can purchase one at any time either in person or from the Gorilla FC e-store. Kits are $30 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger) and include a 2011 scarf, t-shirt and membership card. Additionally, Keith at Method Designs has created a brand new design for the 2011 sweatshirt. The new sweatshirts can also be found at the Gorilla FC e-store and will be $35 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger, then an additional cost will be added).

SPECIAL THANKS TO JASON YOUNG

This man is a machine! Not to mention that he is quite the social butterfly! Jason does a ton of great work spreading the news about Gorilla FC events and anything else that happens to represent the collective. If you find yourself being an excellent “social butterfly”, then you should try to work alongside Jason to strengthen our communication lines even further than they already are!

GORILLA FC IS SHOPPING……

Our collective is looking and shopping for two specific things:

One, Gorilla FC needs an ID card printer as the captains have grown weary of outsourcing this part of our collective and would like to have their own. The card printer must print double-sided cards and be able to print in color. We have also thrown around the idea of outsourcing our ID card printer (once obtained) go other organizations as a means to raise money and help offset the cost in the long run. Any help would be most appreciated!

Secondly, Gorilla FC wants some large flags! We have many Tifo creation sessions, but we are always looking for large flags. If you can design them or them manufactured…we are interested! Section 120 and abroad will always looking better with more Tifo!

TWITTER AND FACEBOOK???

With many new and returning members, we want to make sure that our members are connected. We encourage our members, both returning and new, to follow Gorilla FC on Twitter @ GorillaFC and on Facebook.

FEELING FANCY??? CHECK OUT THE MASQUERADE WINE COMPANY!!!

Masquerade Wine Company is a boutique Washington winery from Bellingham that makes artisan, award-winning red, white, and sparkling wines from the great Northwest. Try our Champagne-style sparkling wine, “Effervescing Elephant” featuring label artwork painted by an Asian elephant, with proceeds benefiting Asian Elephant Art & Conservation Project and their work to support the rescue and rehabilitation of abandoned and abused Asian elephants.

Masquerade’s proprietors, Bill & Jennifer Kimmerly, both Sounders FC season ticket holders and Gorilla FC members, wish the Seattle Sounders FC, their fans, and members of Gorilla FC and exciting season of MLS soccer in our quest for our first MLS Cup and defending our US Open Cup. You can find our wines at many fine wine shops and restaurants throughout the metro Seattle area, or order on-line at www.masqueradewines.com. Enter the promo code “GorillaFC” when ordering on-line to receive 10% off any order, or 20% off any case or more order throughout the MLS 2011 season. Free delivery to your home or business in metro the Seattle area. Join us on Facebook www.facebook.com/MasqueradeWines or Twitter @MasqueradeWines).

UPCOMING SOUNDERS FC SCHEDULE

As a reminder, please remember that Gorilla FC is moving our away viewings/gatherings to different partner bars. See our site for addresses if you need them. GFC Members get discounts with membership cards!

4/9/11 – Home Match – Chicago Fire – Pre-Party at Fado 10:30 am & 1:00 pm Match Time

4/16/11 – Away Match – Philadelphia Union – Auto Battery on Capitol Hill – 1:00 pm Match Time

4/22/11 – Away Match – Colorado Rapids – Summit Public Ale House on Capitol Hill – 6:30 pm Match Time

4/30/11 – Home Match – Toronto FC – Pre-Party at Fado 4:00 pm & 7:00 pm Match Time

You have made it to the third MLS Sounders season! Gorilla FC is excited and amped as ever! March is packed full of action and events. Come party with us and celebrate spring, football season and friends. We also have a fundraiser to support in March as well as the first Cascadia Cup! If you have not already seen it, the 2011 schedule is posted on our website at http://www.gorillafc.com/game-schedule/ Civ cannot wait till the action begins!

Get your Portland GFC Bus Tickets here!  We also have ticket only.  These are for Gorilla FC Members only!  http://www.gorillafc.com/products-page/

GORILLA FC 2011 KIT AND A NEW SWEATSHIRT DESIGN

If you have not taken the time to purchase your Gorilla FC 2011 kit, you can purchase one at any time either in person or from the Gorilla FC e-store. Kits are $30 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger) and include a 2011 scarf, t-shirt and membership card. Additionally, Keith at Method Designs has created a brand new design for the 2011 sweatshirt. The new sweatshirts can also be found at the Gorilla FC e-store and will be $35 (unless you need it shipped or a size 2XL or larger).

GORILLA FC FUNDRAISING FOR ST. BALDRICK’S AT FADO

Gorilla FC’s next fundraising event is the St. Baldrick’s event at Fado.   This is a Fado sponsored fundraiser to raise money for children’s cancer research on March 10th.  There are many ways to get involved.

1. Join the Gorilla FC Baldrick’s team, in which you will shave your head for the cause.  If you want to get signed up, go to:  http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896 and join us.  Then you need to get sponsors to donate for your goal.
2. Donate money at the event on March 10th at Fado via the raffle which will have great Sounders items and other items.
3. Sponsor a shavee by donating at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896
4. Go to the Fado event page for more info:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=135257816535504&index=1

SOUNDERS KICK OFF THE 2011 SEASON WITH THE CASCADIA CUP

Cascadia Cup is the first event for the Sounders during the 2011 season. It will be held at the Starfire Sports Complex March 4th-6th. Gorilla FC will be going to the Whitehorse (“ahem” – for good parking and cheap drinks) before the games. On Friday, it will be the Sounders versus the Timbers with a meet-up time of 4 pm at the Whitehorse. Saturday at 1 pm is a Supporter’s Summit of all the Northwest Supporters groups discussing some great topics in our NW rivalry. Sunday, it will be the Sounders versus the Whitecaps with a pre-party at 1 pm at the Whitehorse.

GOT ANY PLANS FOR ST. PATRICK’S DAY???

Fado will be giving free entry (usually a $20+ fee just to get in) to Gorilla FC members with their membership cards. Go party hard to bring in the Irish holiday. GO GREEN BEER…..OR WATER!

MEMBERSHIP CARDS ARE PRINTED

Gorilla FC’s 2011 membership cards have been printed! We have printed up some credit card-like membership cards for our members this year. Each one will have your name printed on them and you should must present your card prior to ordering at any of our partner establishments. You can pick yours up from a captain at any game, Sounder’s or Gorilla FC event. If you paid to have your kit shipped to your residence, your card will be shipped out to you unless you notify us to do otherwise.

UPDATE ON PARTNER BAR SPECIALS – ELYSIAN

Elysian Brewery is giving Gorilla FC members some great special this year AT ANY TIME! That’s right! Not only will you get specials during the Sounders game, but at any time so long as you present your membership card prior to ordering. Bring and show your GFC membership card to get $1 off Elysian pints any time! They are also having Taco Tuesday from 4-6 pm and normal Happy Hour, Monday through Friday from 4-6 pm and 9-11 pm. Brunch is also available at Tangle Town Saturday and Sunday. To find out more information, check out their website at http://elysianbrewing.com/

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR GORILLA FC

• March 4th – 6th: Cascadia Supporters Summit @ Starfire Complex
  • March 4:
    • Summit opening @ 7 pm
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Timbers @ 7:30 pm
  • March 5:
    • Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum from 12-1 pm
    • Timbers vs Whitecaps @ 5 pm
  • March 6:
    • Sounders FC Academy U18 vs Whitecap FC Residency
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Whitecaps @ 3 pm
• March 7: 2nd Annual Kick-Off Luncheon @ Qwest Field
• March 9: Charity Shield Match – Seattle Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids @ 7 pm
• March 15: First Kick!!!! Sounders vs Galaxy – Pre-party with us – Fado @4 pm
• March 19: Sounders vs Red Bulls – Away Game – Auto Battery @ 430 pm
• March 25: Sounders vs Dynamo – Pre-party with us – Fado @ 4 pm

EXTREMELY IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE CASCADIA CUP!!!

Hello Gorilla FC Party Peeps!

Is everyone getting ready for the season to begin?!  The Front Offices from each club has asked for all supporter group leaders to pass along some information regarding this weekend’s matches.  Please read the notes below.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at pendlek@gmail.com or send me a message on Facebook.

ALL GAMES:

• Sounders, Timbers, Whitecaps clubs and Starfire have worked very hard to coordinate the security for each game.
• Each team’s supporter groups will have their own entrance, bathroom and beer garden.
• All areas will be gated off with security around them so there should be NO reason to cross into those areas.  If you do cross into those areas this could mean ejection from the game and future consequences with the club.
• Security and police will be on-site with a few police officers directing traffic off-site.  They understand all supporter groups will be walking back to their cars off-site.
• If there is an incident each club will be informed and you may be denied entrance to First Kick or Sounders FC games.  This is NOT tolerated and you will not be welcomed at future Gorilla FC events.  As a Gorilla FC member you are an ambassador to our organization.
• Please do not bring smoke bombs, flares etc. as this is illegal in the City of Tuwkila and is warrant for arrest.
• Please travel in groups if you can.  If there is an incident please do not intervene.  Find a police officer, Starfire security guard, or Sounders FC staff member.
• If it there is an incident with a Gorilla FC member or members please find a Gorilla FC Captain:  Kevin Zelko, Katie Pendleton, Kjell Hansen, or Jason Young.

PORTLAND TIMBERS GAME:

• For the Portland game, the Timbers Army have around 350 ticket holders coming separately, and 2 buses of about 150 arriving at or around 5:30-6 pm.
• Security will be ushering the 150 Timbers Army bus members to their gate, and ushering the 350 separate fans as best they can.  They will have plenty of signage directing each group to their areas.
• After the game Seattle supporters should exit the stadium.  TA fans will be held in their area for about 20 minutes until most of the SSFC supporters have cleared.

VANCOUVER WHITECAPS GAME:

• For the Vancouver game, the Southsiders will have a bus (possibly two) coming on Sunday.  Arrival time and number of buses is TBD.
• Security will be ushering the Southsiders to their gate, and other fans coming separately as best they can.
• After the game Seattle supporters should exit the stadium.  Southsider fans will be held in their area for 20 minutes until most of the SSFC supporters have cleared.

Parking is limited so please carpool if you can, $10 at Starfire and $5 off-site.  Looking forward to seeing my Sounders family this weekend and pre partying at Whitehorse!  SCARVES UP SEATTLE!

Katie Pendleton

GFC Development Director

It’s getting closer.  February will be a fun month for us all.  The Sounders are at Casa Grande in Arizona and will round out the preseason training with a trip to Florida.  The Gorilla FC 2011 kits arrived and can be picked up at any of the Gorilla FC events.  If you had not heard, GFC is officially a 501 (C)(3) after much paperwork.  This will allow us to be much more efficient in raising money for charities.  Thanks for your support in making this happen!

AWAY GAMES AT THE TIMBERS IN PORTLAND UPDATE

After the last membership council meeting, it was determined that Gorilla FC will have 60 tickets for the away matches and will be running buses with the North End Faithful to Portland this year. When the schedule is launched in a few days, we will quickly begin setup for that trip.  Gorilla FC is still figuring out plans for Vancouver trips and whether we will organize travel or just hotel/tickets to the match.

MEMBERSHIP COUNCIL AND GORILLA FC INVOLVEMENT

Speaking of Membership council, when your Sounders tickets arrive and Sounders number, you will be able to vote for membership council then.  Gorilla FC has four members on council currently, and the more we have, the better represented we will be. Melina Young, Likkit Pocinwong and Shawn Anderson are currently the three GFC members on the table to put on council.  The council is currently drafting a charter and formalizing voting structures, so voting isn’t open yet.

NEW AND UPDATED PARTNER SPECIALS

Please check out all of our new partner specials at: http://www.gorillafc.com/perks/

Membership cards will be handed/mailed out in late February/early March.

SPEAKING OF NEW PARTNER ESTABLISHMENTS…

Auto Battery is one of our newest partner establishments for the 2011 season. At Auto Battery you can get (with your membership card) $2 fries, $2 PBR, and $4 Seattle Dogs. You must show your membership card upon the initial order, and this offer only applies to a member’s order.

Auto Battery is also happy to provide Happy Hour, everyday, from 4 – 7 pm.

GORILLA FC FUNDRAISING FOR ST. BALDRICK’S AT FADO

Gorilla FC’s next fundraising event is the St. Baldrick’s event at Fado.   This is a Fado sponsored fundraiser to raise money for children’s cancer research on March 10th.  There are many ways to get involved.

1. Join the Gorilla FC Baldrick’s team, in which you will shave your head for the cause.  If you want to get signed up, go to:  http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896 and join us.  Then you need to get sponsors to donate for your goal.
2. Donate money at the event on March 10th at Fado via the raffle which will have great Sounders items and other items.
3. Sponsor a shavee by donating at: http://www.stbaldricks.org/teams/mypage/teamid/68896
4. Go to the Fado event page for more info:  http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=135257816535504&index=1

FEBRUARY MEMBERSHIP KIT PICKUP EVENT

Gorilla FC Membership Pickup at The Dray!   Feburary 12th! Saturday at 5-730 PM.  We will watch Manchester United v Man City in a replay at the Dray.  Come pick up your 2011 GFC Kit!

IMPORTANT UPCOMING DATES FOR GORILLA FC

• March 4th – 6th: Cascadia Supporters Summit @ Starfire Complex
  • March 4:
    • Summit opening @ 7 pm
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Timbers @ 7:30 pm
  • March 5:
    • Supporters Summit & Coaches Forum
    • Timbers vs Whitecaps @ 5 pm
  • March 6:
    • Sounders FC Academy U18 vs Whitecap FC Residency
    • Seattle Sounders FC vs Whitecaps @ 3 pm
• March 7: 2nd Annual Kick-Off Luncheon @ Qwest Field
• March 9: Charity Shield Match – Seattle Sounders FC vs Colorado Rapids @ 7 pm
• March 15: First Kick!!!!  Soon my friends, very soon!

Seattle Sounders #7, James Riley and some of his teammates, and play in the James Riley 7-A-Side Youth Soccer Tournament. All the proceeds benefit the Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club.

James Riley 7-A-Side Youth Soccer Tournament
October 3, 2010 ~ 8 am – 5 pm
Presented by Martin/James and Gorilla Football Collective
Hosted by Arena Sports
Benefiting the Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club

TOURNAMENT DETAILS:

Who: B-U10, G-U10, B-U12, G-U12

When: Sunday, October 3, 2010; 8am-5pm

Where: Arena Sports – Redmond

Cost: $40 per player ($400 per team w/a 10 person roster). All proceeds to benefit the Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club.

What: Guaranteed 3 – 30 minute games– more if you get to the finals! (minimum 3 games, maximum 5 games)

Registration Deadline: Wednesday, September 29, 10. Register through Arena Sports by calling 425.885.4881 or online at www.arenasports.net

Roster size: 9 players minimum (memberships not required)
House teams are available.

Every player that enters will receive a signed James Riley photo card, plus every team will receive a professional team photo signed by James and his attending teammates! The winners and runners up will receive a trophy presented by James Riley himself.

Once your team is formed and your deposit is paid, your teammates can register and pay online on their own – without your help! Instructions on how to register online are below.

If you have additional questions regarding registration please call Arena Sports at 425.885.4881. For benefit and donation questions, please contact Katie Pendleton at pendlek@gmail.com. For media inquiries, please contact Rich Martin at rich@martinjames.net.

PS – Raffle items to be given away throughout the tournament! There will be a Silent Auction for the James Riley 7 Aside benefit for Renway Boys and Girls Club. Some items up will be:
James Riley signed cleats
Freddie Montero signed cleats
Alonso signed cleats
Zakuani signed cleats
Kasey Keller gloves he’s warn in match (signed)
all the Gorilla FC signed
James Riley signed Sounders shirts x 2

Thank you to our tournament sponsors:

Martin/James, Gorilla FC, Renton/Skyway Boys & Girls Club, Dick’s Brewing Company, Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant, Seattle Sounders FC, Alabastro Photography

For a brief video on the Renway Boys and Girls Club watch:

Bolivia has the largest indigenous population in South America, 62%.
Bolivia is rich in natural resources, including fertile land, silver, tin, gold, zinc, lead and hydrocarbons. Bolivia also possesses South Americaʼs second largest reserves of natural gas, the fifth largest reserves of potable water in the world, and ranks eighth in the world in biodiversity.

Despite its vast natural wealth, Bolivia remains the poorest country in South America. Since the days of the conquistadors, their wealth has been drained off by external actors and a small group of internal-colonial elites. In the first century of colonization, Spain plundered enough silver to triple the wealth of the Spanish Empire. Later day expropriations continued to be facilitated by the neo-liberal economic model and Washington-backed Bolivian presidents. From 1990 to 2000, 30-40% of Bolivians lived on $1/day. In 2007, 60% suffered from malnutrition, over 80% lived in poverty, and a mere 400 individuals owned 70% of the potentially productive lands.

While the vast majority of Bolivians live in dire poverty, ex-President Gonzalo (“GONI”) Sanchez de Lozada has made tens of millions of dollars (some estimates are as high as hundreds of millions) from exploitive mines and haciendas. Goni’s money helped him win the presidency in 1993-1997 and again in 2002-2003. His second presidency was secured after he hired the consulting firm of James Carville (the “Raging Cajun”) to publically smear his competition. Goni won with just 22.46% of the vote, beating the next two candidates by roughly 1%. This story is told in the documentary, “Our Brand is Crisis”.

Goni was raised and educated in the U.S. He speaks Spanish with an American accent and so some call him “el gringo”. He is a product of the U.S. educational, political, and economic institutions. Due to the number of privatizations of Boliviaʼs industries and resources, he is also called “Vendepatria”, he who sold out his country. Bolivia was a “lab rat” for the economic policies espoused by the Washington Consensus, and Goni was their point man. In 1996 he privatized Boliviaʼs hydrocarbon industry, resulting in an arrangement where foreign international oil companies received 82% of the profits, leaving only 18% for Bolivia. His policies widened the gap between rich and poor (and white and indigenous) immensely.

By 2003, Goni’s neoliberal policies had driven the country further into disarray, and Bolivia struggled under an enormous IMF debt burden. To raise revenues Goni had a choice to either increase the tax on the foreign oil companies or tax poor and working class Bolivians. Goni, who made tens of millions of dollars off of resource extraction in Bolivia, chose the latter. His decision resulted in widespread protests in February, only a few months into his presidency. The government quelled these protests with violence, and dozens were killed.

Goni’s penchant for violence was again manifested later that year. In September and October of 2003, indigenous groups, unions, and church groups participated in nationwide demonstrations to protest what many saw as corrupt natural resource policies. Goni, again, responded with violence, sending the military into indigenous communities and killing unarmed Aymara and Quechua civilians. One of the first killed was 8-year-old Marlene Rojas, who was shot in her home by a sniper. After a month of torture, kidnapping, and killing by government forces, 67 indigenous Bolivians were killed and over 400 were injured. On October 17, Goni resigned, and with his Defense Minister, fled to the United States with millions of dollars.

In 2004, during the ensuing presidency of his vice president, Goniʼs own party in congress voted by the required 2/3 majority to bring charges against him. To this day he has never answered to the Bolivian judicial system or submitted to questioning regarding the events of 2003. A summons to return to Bolivia was sent to the U.S. in 2005, but the Bush administration ignored it. Currently, Goni lives freely in the wealthy D.C. suburb of Chevy Chase, Md. The U.S. Government continues to harbor this international fugitive and human rights violator.

In 2007, ten families of the victims of the massacre filed a civil lawsuit against Goni in Miami with the help of human rights attorneys from Harvard and the Center for Constitutional Rights. This case is still pending. In November of 2008, the Bolivian embassy delivered a formal request for Goniʼs extradition, but the U.S. Government has not responded to that request. Earlier this year, the victims of Black October commenced a trial in Bolivia against the Generals and Ministers involved in the 2003 brutality. Two of the five accused generals were trained at the School of Americas (known throughout Latin America as the “School of the Assassins”) in Fort Benning, GA.

The Comité works directly with the victims to bring to justice and those who collaborated in the massacres of 2003. They are fighting to end the impunity and repression that has plagued Bolivia for centuries. Goni is emblematic Bolivia’s exploitive past, and he must be brought to justice. El Comité Impulsor del Juicio a Goni.
also referred to as the Comite. A link to their website is at: http://www.juiciogoniya.org.bo/ as well as an english link. http://juiciogoniya.org.bo/?q=content/documents-english