Erie Chapter – Family road trip to Cleveland

ERIE, PA – Hello my name is Tara Holmes-Ruiz and I have been a 49ers fan all my life living in Erie, PA. My story starts from a tragedy but brings me to the blessing it is today. taras-brotherMy younger brother Francisco Lasanta was a Die Hard 49ers fan and always had dreams of going to his first Niner game. Unfortunately before he could ever make it to one, he was in a motorcycle accident which took his life at only 32yrs of age.

That was when I decided to honor his memory by keeping his tradition of family football nights alive in our home. I reached out to fellow Niners across the world through social media when my friend and Niner brother Andre all the way from Niner Empire Germany helped me out. He got me connected with Rajeev Prasad and The Niner Empire Organization. After filling out a chapter application everything began falling into place. By the grace of god the NINER EMPIRE ERIE, PA Chapter was born.

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On October 13, 2015 through hard work and determination I made it happen! With only a week to spare I managed to get 13 fellow family members and die hard 49ers fans together to attend our first game ever in my brothers honor.

Susan_McDaniel_mom_OG_NinerFan_wWe were all so very excited for our first game we didn’t know much about but our fellow members and Niner family made us feel right at home and have a memorable time. They treated us with respect and welcomed us with open arms. My mom Susan McDaniel who is a true diehard also happens to be disabled was in tears feeling blessed and love as fellow fans made her feel safe. The excitement and the joy on everyones face was priceless.

We all brought something of my brothers so in our hearts felt he was there with us. Three generations of faithfuls at one game for their first time filled us with memories of a lifetime.  The love for our new family was even greater so thank you to our Faithful Empire family for making a dream come true.

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Tammy Vargas – Treasurer, Doug Bailey the Cowboy fan supporting the cause, Jennifer Howard

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Kimberly and Jesse Holmes -Secretary

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Maria Holmes – VP with her step dad Carlos Cartagena

ONE TEAM, ONE LOVE, ONE FAMILY

GO NINERS!!!