The Second Annual Sevan Muradian Memorial is fast approaching thanks to the hard work and dedication of Glenn Panner and Daniel Parmet, among others.
The best part about this tournament is that any profits go to Sevan’s widow and daughters.
A couple of weeks ago I had the idea that it would be cool to hold a silent auction to help raise some additional funds. I figured that between Daniel, Glenn, and myself we know enough chess world people to be able to get a few things signed. Sadly this idea came too late in order to really maximize it, but I figured anything would help.
So I reached out to Hikaru and asked if he’d sign a couple of boards for the auction. I know that Hikaru had a lot of respect for Sevan, and so I wasn’t surprised when he quickly and enthusiastically offered to do so.
Since he was going to be playing in St. Louis for the Champions Showdown (which is currently taking place as I write this) the plan was for me to send the boards to him there.
Yesterday he messaged me to say that the boards arrived. And that’s when it happened…
He asked if there was a fund for Sevan. I said that there was a gofundme for his daughters immediately after Sevan died, but that had been closed for some time, but that the profits from this tournament would be donated to the family.
“OK, I’ll match what you raise.”
It’s not often that I find myself having a hard time finding something to say, but this was one of those times.
When all is said and done, Hikaru will be personally matching funds raised, up to $3,000 for this event.
So if you haven’t registered to play yet, please do so. You’ll have a four time US Champion who’s been a top ten GM for years backing you up.
What an amazing act of generosity. I’m proud to call Hikaru a friend.
Til Next Time,
Chris Wainscott