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Bay Area Sports Teams Raise Funds After Oakland Fire Tragedy

OAKLAND (CBS SF) -- The three main sports teams in Oakland on Saturday all participated in a fundraising push to help the victims of those lost in the tragic Oakland warehouse fire that claimed the lives of at least nine people Friday night.

The Golden State Warriors announced Saturday evening that the team would donate $50,000 to the Unity Council, a nonprofit organization in the Fruitvale District where the fatal fire happened.

"When a tragedy of this magnitude hits this close to home, we feel it's imperative to do our small part to help our community and those impacted," Warriors president Rick Welts said in a statement. "Our thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families and friends during this incredibly difficult time."

The team also had a moment of silence before Saturday's game against the Phoenix Suns at Oracle Arena.

Additionally, proceeds from Saturday night's Warriors Community Foundation 50/50 Raffle will support family assistance services for the Oakland Fire.

The Oakland Athletics also joined in the fundraising, initially pledging to match donations from fans up to $20,000 for Oakland fire relief on crowdfunding website YouCaring.com. The response was so great that the team raised the amount to $30,000. By 8:30 p.m., the page showed over $32,000 had been raised by 768 donors.

The Oakland Raiders also joined in the pledge to match fan donations.

A separate YouCaring campaign started by Gray Area Foundation For the Arts, a Non-Profit Organization supporting art and technology for social good has also raised over $80,000 for the victims of the fire.

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