Milpitas police are investigating the theft of a football on Sunday that was signed and auctioned off by NFL great Jerry Rice at a Milpitas fundraiser for Chinese orphans with special needs.
The football, which was bid for $3,500 to orphanage supporter Amy Fu, was stolen from the check-in counter at Koi Palace Seafood Restaurant, when Fu left it briefly unattended to take a photo.
Fu attended the fundraiser, entitled “Share the Love,” among 270 guests, including former 49ers wide receiver Rice. The event raised money for the charitable arm of the Hayward-based distributor of the muscle analgesic Tiger Balm.