Blues for Autism Organizing Team

Blues for Autism 2009 Organizing Committe, from left:
Yordie,
Mathew,
Angellica,
Bluto,
Lucinda,
Magi,
Iron
and Leanna.
(photo by Magi McBride)




For the most part, the Blues for Autism organizers have operated in the background: planning, building, scheduling, fixing and leading the cheers. However, Magi McBride has told me that she could not have accomplished anything without them, starting with Bluto Brando and the rest of the BFA Organizing group including Lucinda Bergbahn, IronGut McCallister, Angellica Lemieux, Mathew Deerhunter and Leanna Chaffee. Following are some stories about them and their thoughts about the work they do for the Blues for Autism fundraiser.

Bluto Brando
Bluto is the man behind the scenes, making things work. Here are his comments: "I've been a BFA Organizer. I did whatever was needed to help organize and run the various events throughout the whole month+ long benefit. My interests in supporting MAgi in this stem from my very close friendship with her."

"Not long before BFA started we opened Shorty's Ice House. A labor of love that was, as was BFA. We're family, and if you've been around us, it's easy to tell that. Magi is one of, if not the most, caring, giving, compassionate people I've ever met in any life. Her giving nature amazes me, and her patience, understanding and personal connection with this cause, is something we all can benefit from. We've had countless talks, be it here or on the phone, about this benefit. It's been an interesting process, and full of ups and downs, laughs and pull-your-hair-out moments."

"In the end, everyone involved came together and realized the goal, to do everything we could to raise as much awareness, and money, as possible to further autism research and education. Magi has been our motivator, and our sparkplug. I love her dearly, a wonderful lady she is, and I am proud to have been associated with this great team of people that busted their humps to make this happen, my deepest thanks to all involved!"

Lucinda Bergbahn
Miss Luci is involved in non-profit managment in real life, but she is very passionate about this work in Second Life. Here are some of her comments.

"The diversity of our community and yet when the passion is a common one great things can be accomplished... the power of collocation that happens in relationships and in community in SL is tremendous... we are still only beginning to usderstand community here... the same things that motivate people to give in RL are also the case here but there is also an element of fun that isn't something that happens in RL events - like the challenge for Iron to get in a thong that also motivates."

For more insights from Luci, please link to her comments from last year.

IronGut McCallister
Iron had these thoughts to share, "Where to start... Well, when talking about Magi McBride, there's a lot to cover. First off, I've known her for over two years now and I must say, she's one of the few that has made it that long. I'm not sure if it's because they get tired of dealing with my BS, but she's endured. Does that mean she's umm.. 'touched'? Maybe, but I know one thing is for sure... she's a remarkable woman.

"Magi hates it when I say she's like my mom, but the truth is... she is kinda like my mom. She loves me unconditionally and looks out for me. However, I guess she'd have to be more like "Stacy's Mom" since she's pretty damn good lookin' and I'd have to say I've had a crush on her since I met her. Hmmm... do you have a daughter named Stacy, Magi?

"In all seriousness, when I tell people in RL about BFA, what it is, how it works, etc... they are always amazed. They're even more amazed when they find out that it came from the mind of a single person... the wonderful, caring, and absolutely amazing... My Magipie... Magi McBride."

Mathew Deerhunter
Mat had a lot to say about BFA: "The reason I decided to help out with Blues For Autism started last year. I remember when BFA was just a little idea Magi had, it didn't even have a name yet, but she and I were talking one day and she told me about her "Little Man", her grandson. Then she told me of an idea she had for Autism Awareness Month. I could see the passion in her discussions about her idea. Magi wrote letters and e-mails and tirelessly to get her idea going."

"During the last year's final event, I met someone affected by autism that really touched me and brought me to tears, and inspired me to participate in this year's fundraiser. I have always thought autism was only about the kids, but they grow into adults, and the autism doesn't go away. I never thought about what the families go through. And I never even had a clue of how all this would affect me; our most special and memorable moments always come so unexpectedly. Today I know what autims is really about and being a BFA Organizer has helped me get out of myself long enough to help someone else. Thank you Magi for having the drive, hard-headedness, and inspiration to make it all happen, all because of Magi's 'little idea'."

Angellica Lemieux
Angellica is another longtime supporter Magi's projects, here are some of her thoughts:

"When it comes to a Lady like Magi McBride where do you begin? With her loving nature, her kindness? Or maybe her generousity in all things. I dont know, because she is beyond words. Her tireless work for Autism Awareness is an inspiration and this year I was privileged to help. I'm not very good at expressing my feelings in words, but Magi is remarkable and I love her dearly."

Leanna Chaffe
Leanna Chaffe is another longtime friend and supporter from last year's BFA fundraiser. Here are some thoughts she shared: "Autism affects all our lives, whether it be through family, friends, co-workers or our community. Being part of this wonderful cause has been a true blessing.

My participation has brought me to tears and goosebumps at times, seeing the generosity of so many. Magi's determination made this possible and allowed us to make a difference. When I look at my children I realize how important it is to defeat this terrible disorder. The BFA fundraiser has helped me feel like I'm doing something to help fight back. From the bottom of my heart, Magi, thank you!"

Yordie Sands (me)
I've known Magi since Summer of 2007. I joined Magi's Blues for Autism project last year because I feel she is a strong woman who makes good things happen. I have personal real life experiences with friends who have children with autism. Frankly, my first encounter with an autistic child frightened me, but I've seen that there is hope for the stricken.

It is my great honor to be involved in this work, and like Miss Luci says, it really and truly gives you a sense of community. It brings out the best in the people of Second Life.

And Of Course,
Magi McBride
To understand Magi's commitment to autism awareness and research, please take a moment and read her comments before this year's fundraiser began.

Thank you Magi for giving all of us the opportunity to participate in such a worthwile cause. As we say in the sisterhood, HUGZZZ.

A Beautiful Ball, An Appropriate End

The 2009 fundraiser was an incredible success. Many people wondered how we could possibly raise over a million lindens, much less L$1,500,000 but we did! And it's time to give Magi McBride a tip of the hat for conceptualizing, organizing, planning and inspiring this important initiative. So, even though last night's Black & White Ball was a party for all of us who participated, I think we can all agree it was also a tribute to Magi and her team, but especially to Magi.

Magi and Darrin lead the dancing.

It was an amazing, amazing evening. There were over 40 in attendance, mostly couples and the black and white theme was elegant with corsages in abundance. The decor was agumented with soft textues and breathtaking lighting effects. And the musical selection was perfect (except for one hip-hop piece that made it's way in and rattle the windows and shook the door... hehe). Here are some photos which you can click on to get an expanded view (then press the brower Back button to return to the blog).

The blueys community plus new friends of the Blues for Autsim initiative filled the ballroom.

There you are, Ladies and Gentlemen... and you were beautiful, even Gunnie. hehe.

There you are and please take a bow.

And the evening ended.

There is one more piece I'm working on for the blog, please look for it in the next few days. Congratulations to us all.

Blues Fest 2009

Saturday at 8:00am SLT started out like any open air concert on a nice day. A crowd of nearly 40 had gathered, and Irongut McCallister was first up on the list of performers. If you know Iron at all, you already know he got the crowd pumped up and donations were flowing in. And this is how the day went, performer after performer, people coming and going and coming back again but all day long the money kept coming in. As the night rolled in and then Iron took the stage one more time, the crowd could see the possiblity that Magi McBride's goal could be achieved and the money poured it, but as the final few minutes approached the goal was still out of reach by about L$65,000.

Irongut McCallister swore that he'd dance in a thong if we reached Magi's goal of L$1,500,000 and he was getting pretty sassy about not having to strip down and show his fanny, but at the last minute, Magi put an end to Iron's tauntings and released the lindens she'd been saving for this moment, and poof the goal was achieved. In minutes, the crowd was calling for Iron to drop his drawers and wear the pink thong that Stormy had picked out for him. The photos speak for themselves.

Very pretty Mr. Irongut! Very, very pretty! Good thing the kids were in bed, eh? hehe








There was an amazing lineup of talent which started with Iron and continued with Danny (Roth Kaffebaum) & Randy(Flarb Spieler), Joelle Luster, Jacan Slade, Jimmy49 Dukes, Allister Westland, Johnny99 Gumshoe, Lucinda Bergbahn, Detritus Rau, Srv4u "Da Blues Preacher" Conacher, Fiery Otaared, Tone Uriza, Von Johin & daughter Kelly, Angelica Lemieux, Jaeger Runo and then back to Irongut McCallister. The talent was outstanding and there are hundreds of photos to tell the story, but there isn't enough space for all the photos.

As the sun rose on the depo sim, the crowd gathered.




Detritus Rau put out some great music and a spectacular display.




One of the truly memorable performances was delivered by Fiery Otaared and her "I am autism" narrative.

The pressure to perform was especially great for Von Johin who is so deeply committed to fighting autism, but who also was looking like a meal.

BFA Organizer and DJ Angellica "Ange" Lemieux has worked hard on all the BFA events and delivered a wonderful show.

BFA organizer, Lucinda "Miss Luci" Bergbahn watches the performances. She also performed in the morning.

A very tired, very amazed, very overwhelmed group of avatars danced while Iron pranced.








In the end, a total of L$ 1,506,043 was raised! The BFA organizers staged a flawless 16-hour concert, and all who atteneded made this event a soulful experience. BFA founder, Magi McBride was deeply, deeply touched and we'll be talking a lot more about Magi in the next couple of days.

NOTE: While there wasn't enough space for all the photos, please be patient while I sort through the literally hundreds of photos and create a Flickr account to share all these wonderful memories. I am working on it.

Blues Brothers Set The Night On Fire!

You've seen the movie. You know them by name, Jake and Elwood, and the Blues Brother Band. WOW! Last night the SL Blues Brothers performed a benefit concert for the Blues for Autism fundraiser, and it was spectacular to say the least! It started in a ball of flame with band at full tilt.

"The Blues Brothers, Ladies and Gentlemen!"











It was Liams Sands on Sax, Bluto Brando on guitar, Coz Okelly on trumpet, Thor Effingham on keyboard, MrDs Magic on bass, Quinten Lovenkraft on drums, GeorgeWiser Risent as Elwood and Tight Whiteberry as Jake! And Crystalrose Lightworker as Aretha Franklin. Whooo Hooo!!

Gas masks were available as Jake blew a big one! Yeah, he was bare butt naked. Oh the humanity!

As the gas cleared, the boys ran around in their, well, briefs. hehe.

The crowd was loving it all... well, except the smell maybe.

The wonderful Aretha Franklin joined the boys, sang and drove donations higher.

The show ended the way it began, on fire! And the cops couldn't stop'em.









It was a wild show with great tunes. At the end of the concert, Magi McBride announced that the show had raised L$22,585 and "OUR GRAND TOTAL GOING INTO SATURDAY IS: L$ 1,075,289." WOW... and it ain't over yet. Magi's goal looks more and more like a real possibility.

Thank you to all of the members of the band and all of the guests who gave so generously!

Corialote Dougall Sings for BFA

Corialote Dougall has been singing before she could walk; you could say she was born into it. The byproduct of a blues bassist and a groupie, Cori was destined for music. While classically trained throughout her younger years, her first love has always been rock, alternative, and jazz (what a mix!).


She graciously volunteered her time to sing for the Blues for Autism fundraiser on Tuesday night and she raised and additional L$10,000. Thank you, Cori!

by Magi McBride

Final Results for Beauty Contest

Contest winners.















Official notice from Magi McBride:
Sunday has been a landmark evening. We've got so much to celebrate. First, thank you to all of our beauties who participated, and our top three winners are...

Merrymay Lorgsval...... 120443
Sally Poliatevska............117801
Samantha Bainbridge...... 63575
Congratulations to Merry Lorgsval who is MISS BLUES FOR AUTISM 2009Congratulations to Sally and Samantha as well... GREAT JOB LADIES!!
We've passed our million linden mark with a grand total so far of: L$ 1,040,469.

Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Double Header @ The Distillery

Blues for Autism organizer, Lucinda "Miss Luci" Bergbahm staged Sunday's fundraiser event at her amazing blues club, The Distillery.

On the top of the ticket was a live performance by Ichie Kamachi, the soft and easy blues singer. Ichie is a beautiful woman and she has one of the most enchanting voices in Second Life. Ichie performed for only an hour, but during that hour she raised nearly L$25,000 which included a generous gift from her personally.

DJ Jacan Slade was up next with his great set of hard driving blues and while he was spinning the final Beauty Pagent contributions were still coming in. By the end of the evening the events and pagent broke the one-million linden mark.

The enthusiasm of talent like Ichie and Jacan coupled with the generosity of the bluesy fans continues to thrill all of us who care about helping people afflicted with this disease.

The Still was rockin'! And the lovely Ichie was at center stage, LIVE.

Ichie says she's not really a blues singer, but with her soulful sound she left no doubt that she knows how to touch the souls of the bluesy people.

Handsome DJ Jacan Slade danced and spun his special blend of tunes for a crowd that demonstrated appreciation with more contributions.

Long time supporter, Miss Luci was happy and as the grand total surpassed a million lindens, she had reason to be thrilled.







The beautiful thing about these fundraiser events is that each venue and each perform brings together additional supporters, and with this growing support the goal Magi set seems more and more achievable.

Missing Pieces

Beauty Pagent contestant Chantalelisa Jewell shared this video with Magi and we are presenting it for you. It speaks for itself.

Von Johin for Autism

In an unscheduled event, musican Von Johin donated all his tips from two shows for a total of L$52,937. Von Johin played last year with his autistic daughter, Kelly who sang. The father and daughter will perform again this year at 16-hour Blues for Autism concert, on April 25th.

Blues Musican and vocalist, Von Johin hails from Nashville, Tennesse and grew up in the southern USA playing juke joints all accross the "Chitlin' Circuit". An ardent follower of the greats from the world of blues music, Von Johin delivers his powerful shows every week around Second Life.

Blues for Autism is about families! God bless Kelly and her dad, Von.

The Rat Pack for Autism

On Saturday night, the Rat Pack held an event to benefit the Blues for Autism 2009 fundraiser. The show started with Marilyn Monroe (Montana Ballard) singing her famous version of Happy Birthday to President John F. Kennedy (Wickman Gibbs), and it was a great opening for this unique group. The show included songs by Dean Martin (Britt McMahon), Sammy Davis Jr. (AnthonyWilliams Copperfield) and, of course, Frank Sinatra (Wickman Gibbs).

The show was a combination of music and antics by the Rat Pack, band members and showgirls including Joey Bishop (Josh Tremor) on piano, Buddy Rich (Nukeum Destiny) on drums, showgirl Christine Ballyhoo, sax player Walden Mannonen and trumpeter Simon Seurat.

This was a "Little Black Dress and Skinny Tie Affair" and there was a good crowd decked out accordingly and looking snazzy. Attendance ran at an average of over thirty people throughout the event. The Rat Pack show brought in L$10,650 into the fundraiser.

That's Marilyn Monroe sitting atop Joey Bishop's piano.

Dean Martin sings.

That's Sinatra, Davis and Martin standing around the bar, making jokes, drinking and drinking more.

Sinatra, Davis and Martin sang and horsed around.










It was a generous crowd that helped drive the total over L$800,000. Heart felt thank you to each member of the Rat Pack for the support for Blues for Autism 2009.

Blues Bros Concert Hit By Tornados

It was promising to be an exciting Sunday evening. The staging and equipment for the concert was elaborate, giving the feel of a real life concert. The SL Blues Brothers Band was cool. There were more than fifty people at the venue. Before the show had even begun the fundraising goal for the event had been surpassed by more than L$10,000 for grand total of L$ 761,672.

The show was to begin in two minutes when from out of the ether, a cyber-tornado hit and crashed the sim. Undaunted, fans returned to the sim as soon as they could and the show began about a half-hour later with attendance at 56 people. It was Jake and Elwood and that wonderful opening and you could feel the grins sweep the concert area.

The show is about to begin, moments later the sims crashes.

Supporters returned in large numbers for the opening of the concert.










Unfortunately, after the opening numbers, a second sim crash hit.

Again fans returned and chat opened on the BFA group IM. Magi McBride had already filed a crash report with Linden Labs and made a decision that the technical problems would have to be resolved. So, she rescheduled for later in the event schedule. Thanks go to the members of the band and all who tried so hard to make this a joyful concert.

There Was Something In The Air Last Night

Yesterday afternoon, Yordie Sands opened her Japanese Garden to bluesy friends and the magnificent geishas from Little Yoshiwara. It was an off the beaten path locale for the blusey set, but many friends (over 30) came to visit, watch the geishas perform and contribute to the BFA 2009 kiosk. During the event, Magi announced that the contributions helped drive the grand total over L$500,000. This was a good sign of things to come.

Head Geisha (Okaasan) Xuemei Yiyuan does an impromptu performance for guests in the Garden hut, she was followed by geisha Masumi Manamiko. (Photo by Magi McBride)

Early in the evening, DJ Luci Bergbahn spun another one of her custom sets for an especially large Saturday night crowd at Junkyard Blues. Luci not only does a great job of spinning but she also has a way with the crowd that seemed to draw more and more dawgs to contribute to BFA. As the evening rolled on Steal Hawker offered to match the next L$10,000 donated, and this pulled Irongut McAllister right into the frey. Steal's matching funds helped drive the BFA grand total from L$501,000 to over L$540,000. And suddenly, the evening's goal for L$600,000 seemed to be within reach.

By the time the Ball and ArorA Chadborne's concert began at 8pm, there was definitely something in the air and it was truly wonderful. Maybe it was the huge crowd that was gathering, over 90 peeps by my count at one point. Maybe it was all the women and men in their lovely evening gowns and tuxedos. Maybe it was AurorA's amazing, amazing voice and the songs she sang to touch our hearts, like "Someone to Watch Over Me".

Regardless of what it was, wave after wave of contributions poured in. We passed the evenings goal and no sooner had we passed that goal another wave of contributions drove the total even higher. By the end of ArorA's concert there was this note in my log: "[2009/03/28 21:19] Magi McBride shouts: L$ 679,850". But there was still more to be tallied and a little later the final total reached L$703,000!

The beautiful ArorA begins the benefit ball with songs that only she can sing! (Photo by Yordie Sands)

More than 90 guests in attendance, women dressed in their loveliest gowns and the men in their tuxedos. (Photo by Yordie Sands)

Magi McBride, arms above her head, shouts,
"L$679,850" (photo by Yordie Sands)

And Kiff Clutterbuck, debonair and leading the applause, thank you for sponsoring this memorable event!








To conclude, I'll break into a chorus of "Fernando" by Abba, "There was something in the air that night..."...eh, nah, nah, no. Let's just say that the goal of L$600,000 was smashed by a hundred thousand lindens!

In a brief chat I had with Kiff Clutterbuck he told me, "This is the kind of thing that reminds us how many really decent people are in here."

And Magi McBride said, "I want to thank Kiff & Dina, ArorA, Luci and all the JY Dawgs for every linden that went to the effort."

Miss BFA 2009 Mixer Rawks

The beautiful DJ Amy Furgeson (photo by Magi McBride) got the get together rolling with some great tunes as the ladies arrived in their limos (that's a teleport in SL speak). The dress was casual and the women showed their unique style of beauty, and the attendance was great throughout the day.

The mixer begins to the tunes of DJ Amy Furgeson (photo by Yordie).

Supporters arrive by the carload (photo by Magi).

Sponsor Gospel Voom (photo by Magi).














Magi McBride reports that by the end of the event the total contributions had risen from the Kickoff's L$402,235 to a new grand total L$455,510 -- not bad for a little get together.

The next scheduled event will be BFA Benefit Ball on Saturday, March 28th 8-9 SLT. It will feature live music with ArorA Chadbourne at Junkyard South. If you have never heard ArorA sing, then this is a must concert. If you have, we know you plan to be there.

More pictures to come! In the course of covering these events we are getting a great photo collection including photos from Leanna, Magi, myself and others. This week we will put up a Flickr webpage to feature the many photos what we don't have a spot for in these blog entries. Yay! So, if you don't see yourself in the photos of the event, you probably will on the Flickr page.