From Magi McBride's notecard:
I don't have the heart to close this group, however I am going to remove Blu Waters (the avatar that took in the lindens) as owner of this group and I will become the group owner. I have copied all closing transactions and will be deleting her so no further lindens can be donated. For now the group will merely exist in name only, we will not be doing any further fundraisers. Should that change I'll create another Blues for Autism avatar.
If you would like to support an Autism group here in SL I would suggest you contact Brett Stand with ASA or Count Artis of the Guardian Spirit group. Should the day come that we can resume our efforts you'll be the first to know. You will find below the receipt from Brett Stand of ASA for the final donation made by Blues for Autism.
I can't thank you all enough for all you've done, your support, your time, your lindens, your love. From the bottom of my heart I truly thank you. If you need/want to free up a space and leave the BFA group I totally understand.
In your ventures through Second Life should you see one of our kiosks if you'd take a moment and contact the person that placed it to let them know they should take it up, It would be appreciated. :)
Live, Love, Laugh and Learn
Magi McBride <3
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Blues For Autism Notice
Yesterday, Magi McBride made the following announcement:
Blues for Autism (BFA) A month long fundraiser that took place every April during Autism Awareness Month started almost 5 years ago, we've had some really amazing events, we've helped to spread awareness, and we've raised an awesome amount $$ benefitting the Autism Society of America. As we all know things change, not just in Second Life but in Real Life and in this it's with deepest regrets that I close the Blues for Autism group. There are a few of the BFA team members, myself included that have had life changes that do not afford us to put forth the effort into Blues for Autism as we have in the past.
I thank those that have given of themselves and their lindens, (all of You in the BFA group, the Blues Community and so many others) their venues, their talent, their creativity with designing or donations of merchandise to make Blues for Autism everything that it was.
Special heart felt thanks to my amazing team members through the years... Lucinda Bergbahn, Leanna Chaffe, Yordie Sands, Bluto Brando, IronGut MacAllister, Mathew Deerhunter, Breeze Windrum, Merrymay Lorgsval, Tippy Wingtips, Steal Hawker, Kitten Lytton, Dillon Janus, Thor Effingham, Takamatsu Soke.
However while deciding the best path to take in my personal efforts to support and spread Autism awareness I came across a group called Guardian Spirit - this is a nonprofit organization that will work with people on the Autism spectrum not only in Second Life but eventually in the real world. I am excited about working with this group and doing fundraising to promote their efforts. If this is something you'd like to become involved with or support, please let me know.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and I wish you and yours all the best this life has to offer.
Much love and hugz,
Magi
Blues for Autism (BFA) A month long fundraiser that took place every April during Autism Awareness Month started almost 5 years ago, we've had some really amazing events, we've helped to spread awareness, and we've raised an awesome amount $$ benefitting the Autism Society of America. As we all know things change, not just in Second Life but in Real Life and in this it's with deepest regrets that I close the Blues for Autism group. There are a few of the BFA team members, myself included that have had life changes that do not afford us to put forth the effort into Blues for Autism as we have in the past.
I thank those that have given of themselves and their lindens, (all of You in the BFA group, the Blues Community and so many others) their venues, their talent, their creativity with designing or donations of merchandise to make Blues for Autism everything that it was.
Special heart felt thanks to my amazing team members through the years... Lucinda Bergbahn, Leanna Chaffe, Yordie Sands, Bluto Brando, IronGut MacAllister, Mathew Deerhunter, Breeze Windrum, Merrymay Lorgsval, Tippy Wingtips, Steal Hawker, Kitten Lytton, Dillon Janus, Thor Effingham, Takamatsu Soke.
However while deciding the best path to take in my personal efforts to support and spread Autism awareness I came across a group called Guardian Spirit - this is a nonprofit organization that will work with people on the Autism spectrum not only in Second Life but eventually in the real world. I am excited about working with this group and doing fundraising to promote their efforts. If this is something you'd like to become involved with or support, please let me know.
Thank you again from the bottom of my heart and I wish you and yours all the best this life has to offer.
Much love and hugz,
Magi
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
New Blogging Home for Blues for Autism
In the past, there has been a separate blog each year for Blues for Autism. That ends this year as we consolidate all the past blogs and prepare for the coming year. Welcome to the new home for the Blues for Autism blog.
Monday, May 16, 2011
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!
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.
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Blues Fest 2011 @ Gwampa's
Each year the Blues Fest anchors the Blues for Autism (BFA)fundraising events. And each year Blues Fest has also brought in the largest amount of donations, but that would be hard to beat this year due to the great success of the BFA auction.
Blues Fest is by far the longest event on the BFA schedule and usually brings in crowds that ebb and flow all day, sometimes maxing out any single sim. This year Gwampa Lomu stepped up and offered a two-sim area at his Gwampa's Dance Kamp, enabling twice as many concert attendees to find space to enjoy the show.
Then there are the performers. Each hour of the concert a new performer takes the stage and this year's lineup included wonderful friends from the past and some amazing new ones, both live performers and DJs. Here are the names of the performers: DJ Bard Wasp, DJ JC Landau, DJ Moonmaiden "Moonie" Horner, Strummer Vultee (live), DJ Pronvelle Cristole, JavaJoe MacIntyre (live), Beamer Lowtide (live), Jimmy49T Dukes (live), DJ Jaco Fitzpatrick, Von Johin (live), DJ Voodoo Cooperstone, Ichie Kamachi (live) and DJ Lucinda Bergbahn.
So it was that at 8:00am on Saturday morning, twelve+ hours of music began and the donations started rolling in. Following is a photo story of the concert.
Each event of the Blues for Autism fundraiser features great Second Life performers. And each performer brings their talent and time, contributing it to the campaign for Autism Awareness and support. But each performer makes a special effort to inform concert goes of the facts about autism and of how important it is to recognize the condition early and build support.
Check our BFA "Facts" tab to learn important information about Autism and how it impacts lives. If you don't know someone with autism or a family with an autistic child, you won't have to ask too many friends to find someone narrowly separated from you who does.
Blues Fests are marathon efforts to raise money for Autism Awareness, but anyone who has ever participated in them knows that these are emotion filled events that build throughout the day. When you attend a blues fest you learn about wonderful performers who've made commitments to helping and you learn facts about autism. But there's one other thing, you learn about this community of music lovers.
In the beginning it was all about blues but now we have jazz, rock, country and really we are opening the doors to all music lovers. Blues fest is a bonding experience for many of us and when the evening is done, we all feel like we've accomplished something and know each other much better. Of course, Blues Fest is also about donations and this year our music loving friends came through again.
Total donations for Blues Fest 2011 were L$415,051!
And this morning, Magi McBride reported the grand total of Blues for Autism donations:
Blues for Autism 2011 donations are an all time record L$1,567,537!!
There are many thank yous to be given. First, to all who donated. Thank you to the performers. Thank you to Gwampa Lomu for the large, stable venue. Thank you to the BFA Organizing Committee especially event organizers Dillon Janus, Kitten Lytton and of course, Magi McBride.
It's hard to believe, but this is the final fundraising event for Blues for Autism 2011.
by Yordie Sands
(note: This is a reminder that all funds donated will be donated to the Autism Society.org.)
Blues Fest is by far the longest event on the BFA schedule and usually brings in crowds that ebb and flow all day, sometimes maxing out any single sim. This year Gwampa Lomu stepped up and offered a two-sim area at his Gwampa's Dance Kamp, enabling twice as many concert attendees to find space to enjoy the show.
Then there are the performers. Each hour of the concert a new performer takes the stage and this year's lineup included wonderful friends from the past and some amazing new ones, both live performers and DJs. Here are the names of the performers: DJ Bard Wasp, DJ JC Landau, DJ Moonmaiden "Moonie" Horner, Strummer Vultee (live), DJ Pronvelle Cristole, JavaJoe MacIntyre (live), Beamer Lowtide (live), Jimmy49T Dukes (live), DJ Jaco Fitzpatrick, Von Johin (live), DJ Voodoo Cooperstone, Ichie Kamachi (live) and DJ Lucinda Bergbahn.
So it was that at 8:00am on Saturday morning, twelve+ hours of music began and the donations started rolling in. Following is a photo story of the concert.
Kicking off the concert was ever easy DJ Bard Wasp broadcasting from Bard's Blues with a great mixture of tunes.
Next up was bluesy favorite for a Saturday morning, DJ JC Landau, and nearby was his lovely partner Astarte.
Another newcomer was DJ Moonmaiden "Moonie" Horner with her captivating voice and gorgeous looks, broadcasting from her radio station.
Making his first appearance at Blues Fest, Singer/musician Strummer Vultee performed live.
'The Wharf' owner and also great DJ, Pronvelle Cristole brought his hot looks and great tunes.
Next was another live performer, JavaJoe MacIntyre. JavaJoe say, "Blues Mashups of popular songs" and yes, we heard wonderful, transformative music.
Each event of the Blues for Autism fundraiser features great Second Life performers. And each performer brings their talent and time, contributing it to the campaign for Autism Awareness and support. But each performer makes a special effort to inform concert goes of the facts about autism and of how important it is to recognize the condition early and build support.
Check our BFA "Facts" tab to learn important information about Autism and how it impacts lives. If you don't know someone with autism or a family with an autistic child, you won't have to ask too many friends to find someone narrowly separated from you who does.
Another return performer from 2010, was live performer, Beamer Lowtide who brought back his sweet acoustic guitar and bluesy-country sounds.
And still another returnee, from the 2009 BFA fundraiser was the great Jimmy49T Dukes, with his great voice and guitar. Checkout his bio.
This year, The Crossroads owner Jaco Fitzpatrick has hosted BFA Mardi Gras, BFA Market Place and auctioned himself off at the BFA Dance Auction. And he also DJ'd for the first time at Blues Fest!
Four time Blues Fest live performer Von Johin and his daughter Kelly brought Von's love of music, commitment to Autism Awareness, and love of his autistic daughter all together. Magi McBride said this about their moving performance, "There were many teary eyes."
Next up was Professional Wrestler, DJ Voodoo Cooperstone. Voodoo was new to Blues Fest but he is a very outgoing and entertaining performer.
In 2010, Ichie Kamachi made her first live Blues Fest performance and she introduced many bluesy music fans to her mellow, seductive jazz and blues stylings. Again this year, she delivered a great mix of naughty and nice.
DJ "Miss Luci" Bergbahn was one of the original organizers of Blues for Autism and each year she's found a way to bring her emotional commitment to this cause. In the past two years, she has anchored both Blues Fests with an emotional climax that brings many to tears, and this year she did it again.
Blues Fests are marathon efforts to raise money for Autism Awareness, but anyone who has ever participated in them knows that these are emotion filled events that build throughout the day. When you attend a blues fest you learn about wonderful performers who've made commitments to helping and you learn facts about autism. But there's one other thing, you learn about this community of music lovers.
In the beginning it was all about blues but now we have jazz, rock, country and really we are opening the doors to all music lovers. Blues fest is a bonding experience for many of us and when the evening is done, we all feel like we've accomplished something and know each other much better. Of course, Blues Fest is also about donations and this year our music loving friends came through again.
Total donations for Blues Fest 2011 were L$415,051!
And this morning, Magi McBride reported the grand total of Blues for Autism donations:
Blues for Autism 2011 donations are an all time record L$1,567,537!!
There are many thank yous to be given. First, to all who donated. Thank you to the performers. Thank you to Gwampa Lomu for the large, stable venue. Thank you to the BFA Organizing Committee especially event organizers Dillon Janus, Kitten Lytton and of course, Magi McBride.
It's hard to believe, but this is the final fundraising event for Blues for Autism 2011.
by Yordie Sands
(note: This is a reminder that all funds donated will be donated to the Autism Society.org.)
DJ Contest A Winner !!
The BFA Mardi Gras was the start of a DJ Contest. To participate, DJs signed up on a special board and their fans could come and vote for them with Linden$. The contest was a great success the top five DJs were: Mahogany Melodie (winner of the Jaz Bike), MrDs Magic, JJake Jameson, Ron Zimer and Jacan Slade.
Each year, the success of Blues for Autism depends on performers who contribute their time and in the case of the DJ Contest, their images and fans.
The DJ Fundraiser brought in $L156,653!
Congratulations to the winners and heart felt thanks to everyone who participated.
Over 30 DJs joined in the contest which ran for a week.
Each year, the success of Blues for Autism depends on performers who contribute their time and in the case of the DJ Contest, their images and fans.
The DJ Fundraiser brought in $L156,653!
Congratulations to the winners and heart felt thanks to everyone who participated.
Thursday, April 28, 2011
The Incredible Bluesy Celebrity Auction
It was a Wednesday night at Magi McBride's Natchez Trace. The place was packed with blues club owners, celebrities to all of us in our virtual world, all nervous about being auctioned off for a dance to benefit the Blues for Autism fundraiser. The master of ceremonies was the inimitable Thundergas Menges was going to auction the celebrities off. And the place was packed, almost 80 at the start of the event.
The celebrities represented eleven different Second Life blues clubs: JJ Heartsdale, JJ's Joint; DonPaul Cale*, Hotlanta; Judyblue Stand, Judyblues; Pronvelle Cristole, The Wharf; Cidnee Cooperstone, The Riverside; Jaco Fitzpatrick, The Crossroads; Lucinda Bergbahn, Dreamcatcher's Distillery; Raymond65 Docherty, The Riverside; Richardina "Dina" Petty*, Junkyard Blues; MrDs Magic, Underground Garage; Magi McBride*, Founder of Blues for Autism. (Note: *celeb has also been auctioned in past BFA auctions.)
Everything was there for an great party and an incredible fundraiser. Following is a pictorial review.
The BFA Dance Auction was a unique event in that it brought together the owners of all the blues club owners in Second Life. That in itself is a wonderful commentary on bluesy people. But these owners put themselves on the auction block and that takes courage because everyone wants to do well, but there will aways be someone who brings in the highest bid. At the end of the event, the total BFA auction donations were L$254,769! And there was more, the total for the BFA kiosks was L$55,951.00!
The grand total for the evening was L$310,720!
And grand total for all fundraising now at L$1,122,536!!
This year's BFA dance auction brought in almost 50% more than last year's auction event, and it's no secret as to why. Even before last year's event was finished, Magi McBride formed a vision of an event with blues club owners and with the outstanding help of Leanna Chaffe, Thor Effingham and Tippy Wingtips working tirelessly, this event was a success in every aspect. So, tip of the had to this organizing team!
Special Thanks to each of the club owners who joined this project and who created the atmosphere for contributions! People who've never been up on an auction block might not realize, that for some of us, it can be very lonely up there.
And as always, the kindest and heart felt thanks to those who bid on our celebs and to those who contributed to the BFA kiosks. Without your generosity this would not have been the success it is.
by Yordie Sands
(personal thanks to Takamatsu Soke and Thor Effingham for helping me with photographing the event when my own broadband service was failing me.)
The celebrities represented eleven different Second Life blues clubs: JJ Heartsdale, JJ's Joint; DonPaul Cale*, Hotlanta; Judyblue Stand, Judyblues; Pronvelle Cristole, The Wharf; Cidnee Cooperstone, The Riverside; Jaco Fitzpatrick, The Crossroads; Lucinda Bergbahn, Dreamcatcher's Distillery; Raymond65 Docherty, The Riverside; Richardina "Dina" Petty*, Junkyard Blues; MrDs Magic, Underground Garage; Magi McBride*, Founder of Blues for Autism. (Note: *celeb has also been auctioned in past BFA auctions.)
Everything was there for an great party and an incredible fundraiser. Following is a pictorial review.
The event was formal and the bidders filled the ballroom, 78 people at one point!
(photo by Takamatsu Soke)
(photo by Takamatsu Soke)
Master of Ceremonies Thundergas Menges took the microphone with his inimitable deep voice and began presenting the celebrities for bid.
(photo by Takamatsu Soke)
Some of the celebs sashayed up on the auction stand for their first Blues for Autism dance auction, like JudyBlues Stand.
(Photo by Thor Effingham)
Some old friends, like Junkyard Blues' Dina Petty, came back for a second time on the Blues for Autism auction block.
And there were men who took the stand. Here's Pronvelle Christole representing The Warf.
Blues for Autism Market Place hosting sim The Crossroads owner Jaco Fitzpatrick wore his formal jeans and leather jacket.
(photo by Takamatsu Soke)
The Riverside's Cidnee Cooperstone stands quietly as her high bid soars to L$20,000 but the bidding was far from over on Cidnee!
Even Blues for Autism sponsor, Magi McBride took to the auction block (her second time too), anchoring this exciting event.
(Photo by Takamatsu Soke)
(Photo by Takamatsu Soke)
The BFA Dance Auction was a unique event in that it brought together the owners of all the blues club owners in Second Life. That in itself is a wonderful commentary on bluesy people. But these owners put themselves on the auction block and that takes courage because everyone wants to do well, but there will aways be someone who brings in the highest bid. At the end of the event, the total BFA auction donations were L$254,769! And there was more, the total for the BFA kiosks was L$55,951.00!
The grand total for the evening was L$310,720!
And grand total for all fundraising now at L$1,122,536!!
This year's BFA dance auction brought in almost 50% more than last year's auction event, and it's no secret as to why. Even before last year's event was finished, Magi McBride formed a vision of an event with blues club owners and with the outstanding help of Leanna Chaffe, Thor Effingham and Tippy Wingtips working tirelessly, this event was a success in every aspect. So, tip of the had to this organizing team!
Special Thanks to each of the club owners who joined this project and who created the atmosphere for contributions! People who've never been up on an auction block might not realize, that for some of us, it can be very lonely up there.
And as always, the kindest and heart felt thanks to those who bid on our celebs and to those who contributed to the BFA kiosks. Without your generosity this would not have been the success it is.
by Yordie Sands
(personal thanks to Takamatsu Soke and Thor Effingham for helping me with photographing the event when my own broadband service was failing me.)
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