L$100,000+ Kickoff for BFA 2011

Last night, April 4th was a long awaited night by members of the BFA Organizing Committee. Everyone was nervous, as usual, as the start of this year's fundraiser drew near. But last night, the setting was right and the right people were there, so last nights Blues For Autism 2011 Formal Kickoff was destined to be a success.

First, there was the magnificent Glass Pavilion at Calas Galadhon. Tymus Tenk & Truck Meredith generously offered this venue for the event, and in many ways it set the tone for the event with it's great glass ceilings and walls revealing the hills and trees nestled into a lovely valley that surrounded the building.

The Glass Pavilion @ Calas Galadhon, venue for Blues for Autism 2011 Kickoff Fundraiser

This year, Anthony Wesburn contributed his time and services as a DJ to open Blues for Autism 2011. Right from the beginning of the ball, he began weaving a mix of romantic and soulful tunes and blending his messages about the difficulties faced by individuals and children with autism. Throughout the night Anthony revealed many of the startling facts about autism, including the fact that autism cannot be cured but must be treated. He reminded us of the commitment families make to help their autistic children realize happy lives, and the toll this can take on those families.

Anthony Wesburn performed as our DJ, but spoke for our hearts as he told stories of the impact of autism on children and families.

Magi McBride with Dillon Janus (left) and behind is DJ Anthony Westburn.

The night was magic and many people from the bluesy community returned to this years event, but also many people from the Calas Galadhon community, and other autism supports joined the benefit. In fact, despite people coming and going, there were over 50-60 people (70 at one point) on the sim all night. And those who took the time to attend contributed generously.

Attendees were dressed beautifully and colors filled the pavilion.

Guests were there to dance and enjoy each other's company,

and to contribute generously.

I tried several times to catch a great photo of Ty & Truck dancing but due to the huge crowds, lag never let Truck's jacket fully rez. Nonetheless, the owners of Calas Galadhon cast their special magic on the crowd and the donations poured in.

The beautiful Glass Pavilion was the idea venue to kickoff this year's event and it put guest in the mood to donate generously. And the end of the evening, contributions soared.

This event exceeded last year's opening substantially, but when you add in the donations received before the fundraiser began and the monies collected from the kiosks that night, Blues for Autism 2011 opened with L$119,636.

Thank you to our hosts, Truck & Tymus. Thank you the wonderful DJ Anthony Westburn. Thank you to the Blues for Autism 2011 Organizing Committee. And of course, thank you to Magi McBride, founder and driving force behind Blues for Autism.


by Yordie Sands

And a reminder: all Lindens donated will be converted to US Dollars at the end of the fundraiser and contributed to Autism Society.org.