Social Media Star Buys Rare 'Jimothy' Card for $20K to Fund Teen's College

Oliver Moy, the founder of the Asian-American boy band "North Star Boys" and a social media influencer known online as "Jahver," has purchased a unique Seattle Mariners "Jimothy" raccoon card for $20,100. The funds from the auction will be used to finance the college education of a 13-year-old fan.

Moy, 25, made a last-minute winning bid on the one-of-a-kind gold edition "Jimothy" card. The card originated from a fan-favorite raccoon mascot that has gained significant online popularity, spawning memes and art, and eventually a special promotion at Seattle's T-Mobile Park.

On August 5, the Seattle Mariners distributed 20,000 mystery-pack "rookie cards" featuring Jimothy. Among these, only one was a special gold edition card. This rare card was obtained by Abby, a 13-year-old Mariners fan.

Abby's family listed the card on eBay to raise money for her future college tuition. The auction concluded with Moy's winning bid of over $20,000 after 100 bids.

Moy discovered the "Jimothy" phenomenon through an AI trend-research tool he is developing, noting that Jimothy was the first trend his AI identified. This personal connection, combined with the story of Abby and her family's fundraising efforts, motivated his purchase.

"I thought this was a nice moment to kind of see it full circle," Moy told the California Post. "Honestly, it was quite an impulsive decision to just go ahead. But I’m so glad I did because… to be a part of this story and to know that the money is going to a good cause — that’s why I did it."

He views the "Jimothy" trend as a message of self-acceptance and celebrating individuality. "This Jimothy story… it just felt like a fresh breath of air," Moy said.

Moy, who has over 11 million followers on TikTok, expressed a desire to provide Abby with the same opportunities he pursued in his youth. "Maybe [my bid] could provide the same opportunity for Abby and her family, provide her the support to pursue her dreams."

While Moy admitted the card's value exceeds that of his car, he has no plans to resell it. He intends to use the card to promote the "Jimothy" movement, which he describes as a global effort to encourage self-love and acceptance of differences.

The popularity of "Jimothy" cards has extended beyond the rare gold edition. Basic versions have sold for $25 and up, with a limited run of 100 copies fetching as much as $850, according to the New York Times.

Moy has become a fan of the Seattle Mariners as a result of the experience. "I've been watching all the Seattle Mariners games, and they're killing it. They're now my favorite team to root for, and I believe I will always be a Seattle Mariners fan."