NOTE: We Have set this campaign up using Barry's Facebook account so that we can reach his many friends  there and so that it is easier for him to access the funds as he needs them.
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Barry Crimmins has long given until it hurt. From his work as a comedy producer to his activism to his courageous telling of his own story, he has repeatedly put the cause/art first and his fiscal well-being somewhere far down the line. Although he is a legendary figure, he often jokes that he's "the poorest famous guy since Gandhi."

Recently, after almost a quarter century of working on behalf and with his fellow survivors of trauma (Barry survived extremely violent rapes  and other abuse as a child- a story brilliantly told by Barry's friend Bobcat Goldthwait in the award-winning documentary, Call Me Lucky -- available on Netflix) he had a major breakthrough and was about to finally focus on his own healing, well-being and security.

He realized that he could do more on behalf of those he cared for and the cause of children's rights and safety by taking a step back from dealing directly with trauma survivors. You see, by directly dealing with thousands  of others who'd been through stories like his own, it had gotten to the point where constant exposure to the details of trauma had dragged Barry back into the pit he had helped so many others escape.

Within a day of realizing he could no longer be of much  help to anyone by facing explicit details of trauma on a daily basis, he regained enough clarity to understand he needed to focus on what he does best: humor and public speaking.  He would use these talents to tell his story of trauma, recovery, retraumatization and redemption. His mind and time free of 23 years of listening to others' stories of abuse, Barry felt like a new person. A burst of creativity followed and he was well on his way to developing a new theatrical piece: Atlas's Knees.

That work continues. It's just that four days after he began implementing this plan he was hit with a truck-literally an 18 wheeler! - as he was headed to gigs in the South with his dear friend Kurt Metzger. Those gigs would have provided the seed money to get his new show put together. Barry miraculously survived the terrible accident (as did Kurt, who is doing well) Mr Crimmins is banged up but ambulatory and in good spirits.  Although he may have a few long-term physical issues as a result of his injuries, Barry says, "When you come as close to death as we did, ANY long-term prospect is a good one." 

So Barry's biggest concern right now is the approximately $5,000 he lost when he was unable to continue the Southern swing of the tour. Had he just been able to do those dates, he'd have been in good shape to move forward with the next phase of his career, which at that point was burgeoning with possibilities. Unfortunately, to pursue these efforts he needed enough dough to travel, meet with people to work on implementing his artistic vision, and write and stage the show. 

On Thursday, January 19th Barry will return to the stage in Los Angeles to do a benefit...  this time for himself. It's titled, "Still Alive and.....well" The show is at the theater made famous as the Fake Gallery by his friend Paul Kozlowski. It is now being run by another dear pal of Barry's, John Ennis, who has generously made the venue available for this very special event.

Since everyone can't make it to 4319 Melrose Ave in Los Angeles on Thursday Jan 19, 2017  @ 8pm, we thought Barry's friends, admirers -- and even some of the many people who he's helped, would like to contribute to ensure the night helps put him back on secure (if painful) footing. So our goal is to sell 200 $25 honorary tickets to the event to his fans and friends who can't be in LA for the show . Of course if you would like to make a smaller contribution, it would be gratefully received. Much the same, if you'd like to donate more than the ticket price, please do not don't let us hold you back!

Since Barry is in no position to have anything, even his arm, twisted any more than it's already been, he agreed to Mr Ennis's scheme to speed both his financial and physical recovery.

So if you admire Barry's work as a political satirist, comedy producer, writer and activist, this is your chance to show it by reaching into your pocket and heart to help someone who has given his life to speaking for the unspoken for. He is already incredibly grateful that anyone would even consider helping him in such a fashion. Imagine how he'll feel when he perfoms at a beneift where three times as many people as could fit in the place buy a ticket to express their love for the man who has done so much for so many. We hope you'll be at the show, if not in person then in solidaritywith a person who has stood up for so many others. 

Your donation will not only come back to you as an act of kindness on behalf of a man of conscience, it will also come back to all of us each time Barry creates yet another impassioned plea on behalf of justice, decency and kindness. 

Thank you for your time and consideration.