With Great Appreciation...

Blues for Autism 2011 broke the record for funds raised for autism awareness and support. The reason for the success was, naturally, those who contributed. But nothing would be possible without a special group of people who committed their time and energy to make things happen. It is for that reason that BFA founder, Magi McBride continued her tradition of throwing a spectacular ball in appreciation for those who helped.

This year, Magi chose the theme of Camelot for "a night of fun and frolic". It was a great opportunity for those who love to dressup to be come Ladies and Knights. Medieval attire was requsted but everyone was asked to come shoeless! Magi envisioned ladies coming in sprintime dresses with flowers in their hair, but she thought the guys might not like the idea of tights and poofy shirts. So, she let the guys come in any attire they are comfortable with.

Thursday night the Appreciation Ball was held in a magical world created just for the evening. And upon arrival, guests where transported and emersed in a most enchanting scene of greenery and flowers and peaceful waterfalls. The atmosphere was filled with the delights of Spring and the special merriments of May.

Those new to the BFA fundraiser might wonder what the inspiration came from. This year, Magi placed a picture of her grandson, Joey near the entrance to the ball. For four years, Magi's work has been both altruistic and personal.

This night of fun and frolic needed someone to bring the right music too, something a little joyful, a little lusty, and of course, a lot of romantic. Our music maker for the evening was DJ BC Susser. BC is a regular at JudyBlues and The Riverside blues clubs, so it was a certainty that there'd be a bluesy flavor to his tunes. But BC had many wonderful romantic surprises in his selections.

DJ BC Susser spun a set that helped create the magic of the evening.

The evening had begun. And although Magi may have envisioned the men tights and poofy shirts, Medieval meant one thing to the guys, Knighthood. And there were many knights. However, the Ladies new exactly how to dress and not one of them wore shoes. Following is a photo essay.

There were knights with their ladies.

Friends spread out around the May pole and danced.

The ball spread across a beautiful, relaxing scene.

Finally at the end of the evening, some brave knights and maids jumped onto the May pole.

At the end of the evening Magi thanked everyone for their support, and there were many thanks returned. But just to be sure she knows...
Thank you Magi!

It was a lovely night but the best part as always was the gathering of the people who supportered this effort. The guests included Breeze Windrum & Ethernal Bigbear, Thor Effingham & Leanna Chaffe, BC Susser, Kitten Lytton & Lucian Starsmith, Straton Tigerpaw, Kenai Harbour & Jynxx Magic, Larry Pelia, Jacan Slade & Hi Ellia, Merrymay Lorgsval & Sam, MrDs Magic & Layla Mesmeriser, Tippy Wingtips & Quantum Quasimodo, Runnr Bingyi, Miss Luci Bergbahn, Gracee Du'Mont & Destinova Du'Mont, Blu Brando & Gala Caproni-Brando, and Takamatsu Soke & Yordie Sands. Thank you to everyone who could attend the ball and thiank you to all of the supporters who may not have been here, but were in our thoughts.

This year was a record breaking fundraiser, L$1,567,537 in donations. This year the fundraising events were all compressed into the month of April. This year we met new friends both in and outside the bluesy community and it's become clear that Blues for Autism has moved outside it's original scope.

For anyone who would like to join in next year's fundraiser, please join the Blues for Autism group inworld.