Team Archie

The short story:

over $20,000 collected from fans
proceeds to benefit the Gifting Campaign, which gives David's music to people who otherwise can't get it
For more information on Team Archie's Gifting Campaign, go here ↓

For the longer story, read on.

To date, Team Archie's Gifting Campaign has brought David's music to over 1,500 listeners who otherwise could not get it. I personally know a few younger fans who took advantage of the generosity of the donors and they were thrilled with their gifts. I also personally know someone who works on the Gifting Campaign; I'd like to introduce you to Oy.

My friend Oy is a crackerjack. She is a little bitty thing – probably weighs 85 pounds soaking wet and makes David look like Hercules – but she has spunk with a capital S. Remember my Providence After-Party recap? Every wonder how I got backstage? It was all because of Oy. After an hour or so of waiting for the busses, she and my friend Jennifer headed over to the nearest hotel to use the facilities. And who do they run into? Jeff Archuleta. She immediately walked over to him, introduced herself, and started talking about David. She told Jeff that she was part of Team Archie and that she helps Grace with the Gifting Campaign. They talked for 20 minutes. At the end of it, Jeff told her that she's proven herself to be a dedicated fan and wanted to give her backstage passes. She got all of us in with her, so I owe her a debt of gratitude!

Oy's spunk goes with her wherever she goes. During the Providence show, Oy had great seats – center stage only a few rows back. During David's performance of Stand By Me, Oy got up on her chair (she's really really tiny) to cheer. At the end of it, she started jumping up and down and screaming. On her chair. David noticed her, pointed to her, and said "oh, wow, there's someone jumping on their chair." At which point Oy fell over backwards but luckily was caught by the nice man behind her.

She is very passionate about David and his success and that shows in everything she does. I was lucky enough to get into the private lunch that a RI radio station held for David back in October. I found Oy in a heated discussion with Jeff. She was telling Jeff that you couldn't "gift" the pre-order of David's CD. And we all know that you could only get Somebody Out There if you pre-ordered. So that means that many many fans would miss out on having that song. When Jeff heard about this, he said "I need to do something about that because David co-wrote that song" and off he walked, phone already at his ear.

I have been to three concerts with Oy and she makes them a lot of fun. I am looking forward to the next one in a couple of days. Oy, as Jeff would say, 'you are hardcore.' And we love you for it. Next up: Grace.