Our Mission

Our mission is to bridge the gap between opportunity and experience by providing access to live sports events for those who might otherwise miss out. Through the generous donation of tickets, we aim to inspire, unite, and uplift individuals and families in need, fostering a shared love for the game and the sense of community it creates. Together, we can turn empty seats into unforgettable moments.

My Story

Hello. My name is Jerome Ritonya, and I'd like to take a few minutes to tell my story and give you some insight into why this cause is important to me. I hope it speaks to you in the same way it does to me.

Growing up my family was of meager means. We didn't have a lot but I had a pretty good childhood. Going out to eat was a treat that seldom happened. And I'm going to date myself now, but pizza rolls and Creature Feature on Saturday nights were our together time on many weekends. (Those of you who grew up in Omaha know what I'm talking about.) We didn't have much expendable income to go to sporting events.

As a child, I loved sports. And I can only recall one time in my childhood I was able to attend a live sporting event. When I was seven or eight years old my Dad took me to an Omaha Royals game at the old Rosenblatt stadium. When he told me I was so excited. The next day I had my glove and my little league baseball cap ready to go and couldn't wait to get to the game. I had visions of catching a foul ball like I saw on T.V. so many times. I remember walking down the steps to our seats on the first base line. It was an amazing experience for a child who had never been. We found our seats and watched the game. And the entire time I had my glove on, ready to catch anything that came my way.

Well, I wasn't lucky enough to catch a fly ball. However, one was hit into our section. I raced down the row of seats and snatched it up before any of the other kids could reach it. I was so proud of myself and ran back to show my Dad.

The game continued and as luck had it, another foul ball was hit into our section. This time it was much closer and bounced only a few feet away. I snatched up that ball as well. I couldn't believe my luck. Two foul balls in one game! I kept thinking how I couldn't wait to show my friends the next day. Then, my Dad gently nudged me with his elbow. I looked up at him and he subtly gestured over his right shoulder with his head and eyes. I looked behind me and a few rows away I saw a kid about my age crying. His Dad had his arm around him and was trying to console him. I knew why he was crying and what my Dad was asking with his simple gesture. I got up and walked to their row and handed the kid one of my foul balls. The dad thanked me and the kid changed from bawling to beaming. He was so happy. At the time I didn't think much of it. But looking back, I had made that kid's day as special as my day. This is one of the core memories I have from my childhood and spending time with my Dad. And I hope that kid, wherever he is now has that same memory of being at the ballpark with his dad.

Fast forward forty-something years. I've been fortunate enough to be a Nebraska football season ticket holder for the last ten years or so. I've been able to give the "first gameday experience" to my daughters, friends and family as well as the children of some of my friends. But there is something that doesn't sit right with me. Sometimes, not often, but more often than it should, my ENTIRE row would be empty except for me and my group. I started paying attention and sometimes there would be two seats open, sometimes four, sometimes more. And this is just football. I've talked with friends and co-workers who mention having tickets go unused to basketball and hockey games all the time. This bothered me for a long time and I kept thinking to myself, "Someone could be enjoying these tickets and they are being wasted for no good reason." So, I got an idea. Why can't I find a way to bring together those who want to donate sports tickets or simply can't use them with those who may be less fortunate and can't afford sports tickets. Maybe they are down on their luck. Maybe they have a sick family member and the medical bills are piling up. Maybe they just don't have the expendable income I am fortunate enough to have. So, I've decided that my goal will be to give the gift of a "game day memory" to others. Every child, adult and senior should have the joy of going to their "first game". Or maybe their first game in a really long time. Or creating a family experience that may not have otherwise been possible. Be it children, families or seniors, everyone should have some joy in their life and I want to provide that to them.

The Mission

Shareagameday.com - Our mission is to bridge the gap between opportunity and experiences by providing access to live sports events for those who might otherwise miss out. Through the generous donation of tickets, we aim to inspire, unite, and uplift individuals and families in need, fostering a shared love for the game and the sense of community it creates. Together, we can turn empty seats into unforgettable moments.

shareagameday.com - It's gameday, baby!