A Stripple In Need
Donation protected
Hey, what's happenin'?
My podcast, "The 40 Year Old Boy", has been going strong for nine years ... but it almost came to an end after only eight episodes. My original producer Eric had a family conflict - or, more to the point, his family had a conflict with me - and seeing as all I knew how to do was talk, his absence looked like the death of the show...
And that's where my friend Lili VonSchtupp stepped in.
With years of radio producing under her belt, she volunteered to take over the same duties for my podcast. As it turned out, her production skills were a secondary benefit, as her mere presence made the show so much more than it was. Her willingness to indulge my ridiculousness made me so much better as a performer, and her hearfelt concern and friendship have been a stabilizing force, both on air and off.
In all the years I've known Lili, she's never asked for anything more than an opinion of her work, or maybe help with a small task. Through the generosity of listeners I've been able to pay her a small stipend here and there, but certainly nothing commensurate with the time, talent, and contribution she makes to the show. I want that to change, and I'm gonna need your help.
Just yesterday, Lili found herself in an emergency room for almost 20 hours. This isn't really new to her; she's had chronic pain in her knees and neck since I've met her, and her TMJ is almost crippling at times. I've seen her in tears just sitting still, her body betraying her in ways I can't imagine. But now ... now they've come for her eyes.
After struggling with loss of vision, she finally received a diagnosis: Lili will be having emergency surgery for two tears in her retina. This is a particularly tricky injury; the patient needs to be almost immobilized for two weeks, with a two month recovery process after. This is especially crushing for someone who makes her living booking and performing in a weekly show; "Monday Night Tease" is Lili's sole source of income, and she is a one-woman operation, handling everything from booking the shows, to working the door, to emceeing and making sure everyone is having the best time possible.
I'm asking for this arbitrary amount to cover at least two months of bills and living expenses for Lili. If we don't hit it, we'll be grateful for the support we received; if we surpass it, however, please know that every dollar pledged will go to one of the best persons I have ever known - a woman who in all the time I've known her has always thought of others before herself, and never turned away a friend in need.
Lili has done a ton of good for the burlesque community, and I owe her a huge debt for continually making me better at the thing I want to do for the rest of my life. I know she has a never-ending stream of well-wishers from the burlesque, podcast, and magic communities; I hope all of you will join me in turning those well-wishes into financial support for our sister in this, her greatest time of need.
Thank you.
My podcast, "The 40 Year Old Boy", has been going strong for nine years ... but it almost came to an end after only eight episodes. My original producer Eric had a family conflict - or, more to the point, his family had a conflict with me - and seeing as all I knew how to do was talk, his absence looked like the death of the show...
And that's where my friend Lili VonSchtupp stepped in.
With years of radio producing under her belt, she volunteered to take over the same duties for my podcast. As it turned out, her production skills were a secondary benefit, as her mere presence made the show so much more than it was. Her willingness to indulge my ridiculousness made me so much better as a performer, and her hearfelt concern and friendship have been a stabilizing force, both on air and off.
In all the years I've known Lili, she's never asked for anything more than an opinion of her work, or maybe help with a small task. Through the generosity of listeners I've been able to pay her a small stipend here and there, but certainly nothing commensurate with the time, talent, and contribution she makes to the show. I want that to change, and I'm gonna need your help.
Just yesterday, Lili found herself in an emergency room for almost 20 hours. This isn't really new to her; she's had chronic pain in her knees and neck since I've met her, and her TMJ is almost crippling at times. I've seen her in tears just sitting still, her body betraying her in ways I can't imagine. But now ... now they've come for her eyes.
After struggling with loss of vision, she finally received a diagnosis: Lili will be having emergency surgery for two tears in her retina. This is a particularly tricky injury; the patient needs to be almost immobilized for two weeks, with a two month recovery process after. This is especially crushing for someone who makes her living booking and performing in a weekly show; "Monday Night Tease" is Lili's sole source of income, and she is a one-woman operation, handling everything from booking the shows, to working the door, to emceeing and making sure everyone is having the best time possible.
I'm asking for this arbitrary amount to cover at least two months of bills and living expenses for Lili. If we don't hit it, we'll be grateful for the support we received; if we surpass it, however, please know that every dollar pledged will go to one of the best persons I have ever known - a woman who in all the time I've known her has always thought of others before herself, and never turned away a friend in need.
Lili has done a ton of good for the burlesque community, and I owe her a huge debt for continually making me better at the thing I want to do for the rest of my life. I know she has a never-ending stream of well-wishers from the burlesque, podcast, and magic communities; I hope all of you will join me in turning those well-wishes into financial support for our sister in this, her greatest time of need.
Thank you.
Organizer and beneficiary
Mike Schmidt
Organizer
Los Angeles, CA
Lili VonSchtupp
Beneficiary
