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.

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.

The Appreciation Ball

On Saturday, May 29th, Magi McBride and Bella Orsini arranged an appreciation ball for the people who helped make Blues for Autism 2010 a success. The site they chose was Pandora Moon, home of the Na'vi people in Second Life. It was a fitting tribute to all the hard work and contributions by the performers, sponsors, BFA organizing committee and the many people who participated in BFA events and helped create those events.

Magi and Bella (back) greeted guest arriving at Pandora Moon

The ballroom filled quickly.

Jimmy T Dukes in dark leather, began his live performance.

Humans were everywhere on Pandora Moon, but even a couple Na'vi in formal attire.

Bella Orsini watches proudly as guests enjoy the evening.

Guests danced and enjoyed the Appreciation Ball into the evening. It was a fitting end to another great year for the BFA initiative. For those who aren't familiar with the history, Magi McBride founded the Blues for Autism fundraiser in 2008. Over the past three years she has worked tirelessly confronting all the organizational issues that arise in conducting events over two months. Magi has helped of a varied group of bluesy supporters and sponsors coordinate their efforts for autism awareness and support.

In total over three years, the BFA fundraising activities have raised more than $15,000.00 in donations to the Autism Society of America.

Thank you to all the supporters and contributors. Special thanks to the performers sponsors and the organizing team. And many hugs to our leader, Magi McBride.

story & photos by Yordie Sands

The Blue Ribbon Formal

Last night was an amazing opening for this year's Blues for Autism fundraiser, it was the night of the Blue Ribbon Formal. The theme was blue and blue was in the air as the many BFA supporters arrived in colors.

Tippy Wingtips & Steal Hawker where the hosts of the event and received the couples as they entered the Black Rose Ballroom. Many of the BFA supporters from last year returned for this years opening event, but also there were new supporters especially from Team photoLIFE.

Angellica Lemieux was the DJ and once again she produced a wonderful music selection that could not have been more appropriate for the theme of the event and it set a relaxed atmosphere for the evening.

During the first hour, BFA founder Magi McBride announced the early tally of donations by guests, "L$63,561 Y'ALL ARE SO TOTALLY AWESOME". And that was a fabulous amount but by the end of the evening, Magi had an even more awesome report, "The ball tonight did: $L107,500."

Here are a few photos from last night's ball:

Early in the evening the attendence was already outstanding.

Nearly forty supporters arrived.

As the evening rolled in, DJ Ange while setting the mood for the evening with her music, she gave guests insights into the disorder that is called autism.

At the end of the evening, as the guests were leaving, Magi announced the great news about the total donations from the Ball, L$107,500.

Autism awareness and especially support for families with autistic children is the goal of the Blues for Autism campaign. In the weeks preceding the ball, there is always a concern about how things will go once the drive begins. However, with the generous mood of the BFA supporters last night it was a reassuring beginning. Great thanks go to all of the supporters.

by Yordie Sands

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.