Memorabilia
Paul Henderson Jersey Case
While working with Dome Productions and Rogers Sportsnet over the years, I volunteered my services to Canada's Sports Hall of Fame (CSHOF). I was friends with the COO (Sheryn P) and knew her from high school and realized they did not have a big budget for an accountant so I assisted whenever I could including with the development of its business plan to raise money from the 3 levels of government for their eventual new CSHOF home in Calgary.
One of the favors that was asked of me was to bid quietly on their behalf on the Paul Henderson game worn jersey in Game 8 of the famous Team Canada 1972 Canada Russia Series in the Classic Auction event. I signed a contract with the CEO and COO indicating my parameters in the bid. In consideration of my services, I loved the wings at The Cricket Club so we included that in the contract. I did not realize that it was going to take a lot more to sign up as the Jersey was expecting to go for at least a few hundred thousand dollars. I needed to provide bank references and employer references so that I would be able to come up with the funds if successful. Remember no one knew other than the executives of CSHOF that I was bidding on behalf of them. This was taking a lot more of my time than expected. I just thought the night the auction was closing, would be my busy bidding time.
There was concern that someone may purchase the jersey and cut it up in pieces and sell the pieces individually. The COO was able to get other corporations to contribute to its bid but I still had a hard limit of under $500,000.
That evening was a lot of fun with the COO with me at my home (with Pizza of course) as it became much bigger than anyone imagined. Sheryn was on the phone constantly with many people including Paul Henderson himself.
At the end the Jersey went for close to $1.2 million including buyer commission and was purchased by SmartCentres (outdoor advertising company)
In the end Sheryn provided me with a floor model jersey case that I eventually put my Paul Henderson Replica Numbered Signed Jersey in with a copy of our signed contact.
It was great being part of the bidding war for the most expensive selling price of a game worn jersey.