Jimmy  Darts

SB Mowing

Pattie Gonia

Little Miss Flint

Kalina Silverman / @makebigtalk on Instagram

The Dogist

Samuel Weidenhofer

Patriotic Kenny Foundation

Peter Bond

That Good News Girl

Ben Saunders - Flawless Cleaning

Flavor Flav

Ask Uncle Jack

Amy Jandrisevits

FowlMouthFarmer

Tess Bohne

Latonja and Taylor Richardson

Officer Richard Craig

John Wolfe

Khloe

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 Carolyn Hank's hair has fallen out. She has stage IV high grade endometrial cancer. The whole ordeal is expensive and hard on physical and mental health. It is emotionally exhausting. Her diagnosis comes on top of life's daily expenses, groceries and gas, all of which cost more than ever.
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 She and her husband, photojournalist Saul Young, are leaning on each other. Your contribution will help them navigate the huge financial burden of her diagnosis and treatment. We can help them out.
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 If you have been fortunate enough to have been photographed by Saul, send a donation. If you've been in the bright bold light that radiates from Carolyn, drop a few bucks. Good people help good people.
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 More about the diagnosis: During a regular annual checkup in late June, her primary care physician ordered an ultrasound to check a swollen lymph node. In early July she learned she had cancer. Carolyn started an 18-week round of chemotherapy in early August, which is underway is at University of Tennessee Medical Center.
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 Her treatment expenses also include care that does not fall under insurance such as acupuncture, massage therapy, and other comforts that help her get through the day. Please help.
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Help Hank and Saul through cancer treatment

<div>Our good friend and photographer-about-town, Eli Johnson, has been fighting cancer since December. He started treatment in February and in April, he wrapped up those rounds of radiation and chemotherapies and has been slowly healing.
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<div>IYKYK that just because the treatments are complete does not mean the medical care is complete. With more scans and test in 3 months to see if the cancer is cleared we would love to give a huge assist in managing the bills coming in from all of his treatments so far.
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<div>Lets give Eli and his family a little piece of mind in one of the few ways we can. We take care of each other. If you can't donate directly to the fund please share!
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Cancer Bills Suck! Support Eli

<div>Hi, this is Hollie West, Owner/Operator of The Sweet Monkey in Historic Downtown Marshall, NC. I am one of the businesses that was completely wiped away from Hurricane Helene flooding upriver from Asheville.
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<div>I have been in the downtown community for 10 years as a restaurant, catering company and a wholesale frozen pizza creator to keep the list short, creating meals, experiences and memories for anyone who walked in the door and beyond. I might have catered your wedding, meeting, reunion or gathering of any kind!
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<div>For the last 2 days, I, as have the rest of my sweet little mountain town, watched everything that we have worked for and with to create this beautiful place bulldozed away in waves of mud to giant dump trucks. It's heartbreaking! Anything will help as insurance is a no-go and our only options are loans at the moment. 
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<div>Thank you so very much for your help! 
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<div>Hollie West aka The Sweet Monkey
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Support Local Business Recovery in Marshall NC

<div>My name is Beth Cobos. I have known Leah for almost 18 years when we met as Nannies taking our nanny kiddos to Book Babies at the Library.  I have had the privilege of having her as a “co-worker”; seeing her and her partner Jacob welcome their son Oliver into the world; being there when she lost her Dad; listening to all the stories of her in beauty school to become a nail tech; and open/design her own studio in her garage in Portland, OR. 
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<div>In February 2024, Leah was diagnosed with Stage 3 Rectal Cancer. She went through multiple scans and tests, 28 rounds of oral chemo and radiation, further scans, and she just completed her journey of IV chemo infusions.
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<div>Leah works independently in the beauty industry as a nail tech in SE Portland. She has recently been unable to work as much as she’d like due to chemotherapy zapping her strength and endurance.
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<div>There is still a possibility of a surgery at the end of her current treatments at the end of October which will mean more days off and necessary recovery time. While Leah continues to work and power through despite her treatment, it will be another year before she’s fully recovered and back to her new normal. 
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<div>The stress of these physical and emotional challenges along with the financial burdens are taking a toll on this sweet family. Her partner, Jacob has been her caregiver during all of this- taking her to her appointments, scans, labs, infusions, and keeping her comfortable when she’s at home. He has been off work since late March. 
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<div>I’m seeking to help them navigate bills and other expenses so Leah and Jacob can focus solely on healing, trying to alleviate as much stress for them as I can. Any support is deeply appreciated. If you are unable to donate at this time, sharing this with others would mean the world to us.
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Support Leah's Battle Against Rectal Cancer

<div><strong>Pilot Light Turns 24!</strong>
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<div>We can hardly believe it, but we are one week away from celebrating our 24th birthday, and we need your help to make it to 25!
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<div>On May 22nd, 2000 Pilot Light began its existence as “a place for new ideas.” Our mission was to create a space where new music and performance concepts could be presented without compromise or distraction, and without any kind of financial bottom line required to access our stage. So far this endeavor has resulted in over 5000 shows, representing the broadest creative diversity, from local and distant artistic communities that would not otherwise have a public outlet in our city.
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<div>The long-term existence of full-time, small creative venues &amp; art spaces is a rarity. To some of our younger patrons and participants, there has simply never been a time in their lives that the Pilot Light didn’t exist! While we are proud of our 24 year track record, we also realize it can sometimes mask the ever present struggle to keep it alive. The continuation of Pilot Light is not a foregone conclusion. Its persistence is the result of a tireless effort from our volunteers and supporters.
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<div>Small venues like Pilot Light are so important to nurturing a city’s creative scene, but unfortunately do not benefit from the economies of scale that keep larger venues afloat. Our daily sources of revenue are only from tickets and the sale of low-cost beverages. In a room as small as ours, it would be impossible to make ends meet without the help of individual donors and fundraiser events.
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<div>The landscape of downtown Knoxville has changed quite a bit since our inception, but we still fill a vital role in our increasingly rich creative community. As we press forward in the same way we’ve always done, costs have risen on many fronts and the uncertainty of Old City development adds new challenges each year. For the last two decades, our only standing major fundraiser event has been the fabulous annual Halloween show. We are organizing this mid-year birthday campaign to help us bridge the gap to October.
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<div><strong>A valuable resource worthy of support.</strong>
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<div>In January 2017, Pilot Light reincorporated as a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to better reflect our actual model and mission. Seeking institutional funding has been a slow learning process for us, but is finally beginning to show results. In this crucial moment of growth we still need to reach out to our individual supporters to ensure a sustainable future. Every donation makes a huge impact in our mission, the results of which are very tangible and readily accessible:
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<li><strong>People use the Pilot Light!</strong> We are not just here for special events. We are an engine that infuses the Knoxville creative landscape with an average of 200-230 shows annually, most with 3 to 4 individual acts drawn in equal measure from our local scene and others regional, national, and international.
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<li><strong>We are an artistic motivator.</strong> We maintain a thoughtful and diversely curated program, with a requirement of original works, that often pairs local artists with like-minded (or sometimes purposely genre-divergent) performers from out of town for creative inspiration, exchange, and networking. We provide an accessible, supportive environment where local artists are constantly encouraged to try out new ideas.
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<li><strong>We are Knoxville’s home for the experimental fringe performer.</strong> From day one, the very heart of our existence has been to provide a headquarters for those important forms of expression that will only ever exist for smaller crowds of supporters, often requiring an environment of quiet attention without distraction.
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<li><strong>We fund artists.</strong> Many of the traveling and local artists that call Pilot Light home make their art on a narrow financial margin. While we are indeed humble in stature (and balance sheet), we prioritize paying artists, with over half of our <em>gross</em> revenue being paid out in artist fees each year (2023 was 53.15%)
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<li><strong>We take chances for art’s sake!</strong> We frequently take risks on traveling artists that we hold in high artistic regard. Often these are national or international artists that tour infrequently or sparsely, and would typically have to skip our city in favor of larger markets. These shows are almost always presented at a financial loss, but we view them as a proud and inspiring investment in our local artistic fabric.
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<div><strong>Our birthday appeal:</strong>
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<div>The greatest way you can help the continued existence of Pilot Light is with your participation. After all, that’s why we are here. Come see a band you’ve never heard of. Come support a local friend’s performance. Come play us a song!
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<div>We also know, as time goes on, that family, work, and life grow more complex. If you find yourself saying “I really wish I could make it out to more shows like I used to” we would like to make a special appeal to you. If Pilot Light has enriched your life in the past, but your current situation makes it difficult to participate as often, please consider a donation during this birthday fund drive. It is a simple way to make a deeply helpful contribution to our efforts- and to make sure we’re still here when you’re ready to dive back in!
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<div>Thank you so much for your continued support
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<div>(Photos tiled from a set by photographer Kurt Welch)
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Support Pilot Light's 24th Birthday Fundraiser

<div>Keith remains at the hospital on a regular floor.  He is not yet able to speak, stand or support weight but is working with therapies.  The accident occurred 31 days ago.  We are all hopeful that he will make a full recovery.  
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<div>As of now, the driver of the vehicle has not been charged.  The family is patiently waiting as KPD does their work.  
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<div>Please consider sharing and/or donating for the family and for medical expenses.  Thank you all for everything you have done to support the Welch Family over the past month. ♥️
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<div>Hello all. On June 4th, 2022, Keith Welch was involved in a hit and run accident in the Old City. Most Saturdays, he and his son ride bikes with a group of people in the downtown area. This past Saturday, a car decided to flee from police and hit Keith head on, knocking him off his bicycle. His son witnessed the whole event. Keith is married to Karen and they have a 17 year old son. Keith and Karen give selflessly to others. I've witnessed them paying for meals for people, doing repair work on others' homes for free, sending anonymous donations to people with financial problems and buying Christmas gifts for children who had no money. This has been their pattern of behavior as long as they've been married (I'm sure that seems like an eternity!) About 10 years ago, I had some unfortunate events occur and without their help I am certain I would have fallen homeless. Keith exhausted his paid time off from his full-time job earlier in the year when he stayed with his ill father in the hospital. Karen works 40++ hours a week but her position does not provide any benefits. Like most of us, they have bills and a hefty medical deductible. Keith is still in ICU, sedated and on a ventilator. At this time, the prognosis is unknown. Please consider donating any amount to help this family.
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The Welch family medical and living expenses

<div>Hi, my name is Kitty Krell, and I could really use your help saving my baby.
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<div>Bowie is a gentle giant. He's 28 pounds of love, a Maine Coon with heterochromia, and the sweetest baby. All he wants out of life is love, noms, and to make sure everyone around him is ok. He's absolutely magnificent, and an absolute derp when he's happy. When I need rest, he'll sit on me and purr so I'm trapped. He drools when he purrs. He purrs through all his vet appointments. He'll grab your hand if he doesn't want you to stop petting him.
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<div>He's hospitalized right now with a urinary blockage, for the second time this week. I'm... Not ok. They're doing absolutely everything they can, but I lost one of my last kitties to this.
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<div>So far I've accrued a bill of $6388.61, the bill for the first blockage and a deposit for this stay, and it's looking very likely that he'll need another surgery on Monday, that they've quoted between 4500-6000 for.
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<div>I could really use your help. He means the world to me; literally, I don't think I would have made it through the last year without my cats.
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<div>If you're still reading, thank you. Anything at all helps.
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Help me save Bowie

<p><strong><a href="http://schoolofthealternative.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">School of the Alternative</a>  is a space where radical new ideas are born.</strong> We build and sustain a community of experimental learning where, each spring, artists learn, work, and live communally in Black Mountain, NC. SotA <a href="http://schoolofthealternative.com/community" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">prioritizes</a> being <a href="http://schoolofthealternative.com/equity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">equitable</a> and safe(r) for those most marginalized in institutional learning spaces.  <br /><br />We are launching a $25,000 fundraising campaign with hopes of making our 2022 session the most accessible yet. This means continuing our Black Equity scholarships, adding new scholarship opportunities, offering payments for faculty and staff, and an increased supply and resources budget to support a greater diversity of classes and structures for increased physical accessibility.<br /><br />For the past 5 years, our budget has been built as a fully self-sustaining model. Tuition covers our most basic needs, like food and lodging; but the school relies fully on volunteer faculty and staff. Every year, we are awed and grateful at how much our volunteers give. However, depending on unpaid labor means that only those with resources and financial privilege are able to participate - which we know reinforces systemic privilege.<br /><br />This model has served its purpose: it allowed us to keep tuition costs low while offering challenging and experimental classes and building a community that is both artist-supported and artist-supporting. But we are ready for the next phase. We know that now more than ever, it’s important that we remove as many barriers to entry as we can. <br /><br />What’s exciting about this fundraiser is that we’re not asking for much money to run SotA. We could continue to hold sessions under our current tuition-funded model. What we’re asking for is help getting us to the next step in creating a space that is <strong>MORE inclusive MORE radical</strong> and<strong> MORE equitable</strong>. With this money we can grow beyond the volunteer model, double the # of scholarships offered, and offer our faculty a supply budget to meet their innovative needs.<br /><br />This will dramatically increase access to SotA for our 2022 session and beyond. It will make the education we offer and the community we build more inclusive, demographically and intellectually diverse, and sustainable. We need your help to make this radical dream come true.<br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/57840687_1623896977267733_r.jpeg" alt="57840687_1623896977267733_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>60% of the money raised would go towards paying our faculty and staff.</strong>
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<p><em>This means we can offer a weekly stipend of $275 for all faculty and staff, the first small step towards moving beyond the volunteer model. </em><br /><br /><br /><strong>20% will go towards additional scholarships.</strong>
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<p><em>This means we can <strong>double</strong> the number of scholarships offered. Right now, built into our budget we offer 12 full or partial scholarships, if we reach our goal we could offer 25 (!) scholarships over our 3-week session, including continuing to offer black equity scholarships. </em><br /><br /><br /><strong>12% will go towards additional supplies and resources.</strong>
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<p><em>This means we could host a greater diversity of classes, including those that require supplies beyond our current limited budget and supply donation pool. </em><br /><br /><br /><strong>And finally, 8% will go towards ensuring our next sessions can happen.</strong>
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<p><em>This will go straight into the deposit for our lodge for our next session. </em>
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<p><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/57840687_1623897012839083_r.jpeg" alt="57840687_1623897012839083_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><strong>About our Annual Sessions:</strong>
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<p>Faculty, staff, and students live communally in one lodge, and everyone performs some kind of work service. Instead of a traditional classroom environment, we support a collectively built and self-directed approach to learning which <strong>gives opportunity for all participants to learn and teach</strong>, where Faculty and staff attend classes, and students teach pop-up classes. <br /><br />Our curriculum is built entirely from an open call of faculty proposals. SotA is an inter-generational space that cultivates learning and connection beyond traditional hierarchies around age, education, and social status, and classes often adapt in session to accommodate the participant’s needs. <br /><br />Last summer we added 3 new<a href="http://schoolofthealternative.com/leadership" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Board members</a> , appointed a new Executive Director, and we formed an Advisory Committee. After a year off, filled with zoom classes and digital gatherings, we are, together, working towards holding our most accessible session yet in May of 2022. Our hope is that through this fundraising campaign, that future includes more scholarships, continued Black Equity scholarships, payments for faculty and staff, and an increased supply budget to support a greater diversity of classes. <br /><br />
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<p><strong>Our Community values:</strong>
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<p>SotA is not only holding spaces for radical, communal learning, we aim to hold space, learn alongside, and listen deeply to folks who are traditionally silenced by higher education. We do this through deep listening and intentional, structured processes. This includes a <a href="http://schoolofthealternative.com/community" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">living community</a>  agreement and our “point person” roles, in which leaders in the community hold space for feedback and support.<br /> <br />Since our first session, we have continued to build on and nurture our structures for small group, anonymous, and 1 on 1 support, and we have also added two new coordinator positions, specifically for supporting community members of color and those who are differently abled.
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<p>Much of SotA’s shape and pace has formed in relief of the restrictive and oppressive tendencies we’ve all experienced in institutional learning, and<strong> we create a different kind of experience</strong>.
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SotA is Moving Towards Radical Accessibility

Due to circumstances beyond their control, Jackie's Dream restaurant must move by the end of the month. They've found a new location that is larger with more kitchen space on Woodland Avenue near Happy Holler, but they need funds for expenses related to the move. This is very unexpected, so they need to raise the money by the end of the month. They've already raised $2000.00 but they need another $18,000 to get them into their new space. Jackie and George are ready to write the next chapter of the Jackie’s Dream story, but they need your help! Here's a list of just some of the things they need for a successful move:<br /><br />1- Ice Maker $5,000.00<br />9- Tables $1,000.00<br />60- Chairs $1,400.00<br />2- Coolers $2,400.00<br />1- Bar $1,000.00<br />2- Fryers $1,000.00<br />Pots &amp; Pans $1,500.00<br />Plateware $1,000.00<br />Cleaning and Painting: $3500.00<br />Moving Expenses: $2500.00<br /><br />Just $100.00 from 180 people will get Jackie's Dream to their goal! So please give what you can. Thank You! <br /><br /><em>Those that donate will be invited to a special “Jackie’s Angels” buffet dinner (time TBA).<br /><br /></em><strong>Please share this with your friends!</strong><br /><br />“Loves me some Jackie’s Dream!” ~Buzz Goss<br />“This is food with SOUL!!” ~Scott Scheinbaum<br />“Put some lovin’ in your grubbin’” ~Jackie Griffin<br /><br /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33659954_1539365257374735_r.jpeg" alt="33659954_1539365257374735_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33659954_1539365277827934_r.jpeg" alt="33659954_1539365277827934_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><br /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33659954_1539365848341188_r.jpeg" alt="33659954_1539365848341188_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" /><img src="https://d2g8igdw686xgo.cloudfront.net/33659954_1539365865502596_r.jpeg" alt="33659954_1539365865502596_r.jpeg" width="100%" media_type="3" />

Jackie's Dream Moving Fund

Thanks to all my family, church family, friends, classmates, teachers and all who visit and donate to my go fund me campaign. <br /><br />This past March 2016, I received an invitation and awesome opportunity to represent Tennessee on the DownUnder Sports Central Conference Wrestling Team. DownUnder Sports will host the 28th Annual Sports Tournaments in Brisbane and the Gold Coast of Australia. I truly appreciate any and all donations and I am grateful for this invitation and amazing opportunity!!! <br /><br />I developed a passion for wrestling during the football off-seasons. I joined my first wrestling team at Lincoln Heights Middle School in Morristown, Tn. I won 5th place in the State tournaments my very first year wrestling, then I went on to win 2nd place in the Regional tournaments my 2nd year! I re-located to Knoxville, Tn and joined the Fulton High School wrestling team placing 3rd in the Regional Tournament and competing in the State Tournament.<br /><br /><img src="https://2dbdd5116ffa30a49aa8-c03f075f8191fb4e60e74b907071aee8.ssl.cf1.rackcdn.com/10403561_1459833481.7627_funddescription.jpg" alt="10403561_1459833481.7627_funddescription" /><br />I'm hopeful your generosity will make it possible for me to compete with DownUnders Sports in the 2016 Australia Sports tournaments.<br /><br />Anyone who gives any amount will receive a thank you ticket for drawing entry to win an all expense paid trip to this year's DownUnder Sports Tournaments or 5 day cruise for two.<br /><br />You are also welcome to donate 250.00 or more to receive an exclusive appreciation and thank you gift!<br /><br />Thank you for your time and generosity! You can learn more at DownUndersports.com and are welcome to make donations at that site if you choose by using my name, state and sport (Elijah Davis Tennessee Wrestling). <br /><a href="http://downundersports.com/payment?161508" target="_blank">downundersports.com/payment?161508<br /><br /><br /></a>

Elijah to Wrestle in Australia

My name is Eireann Dolan. My boyfriend is Oakland Athletics pitcher Sean Doolittle. We would like to fill the stands on Oakland Athletics LGBT Pride Night on 6/17. <br /><br />When the Oakland Athletics first announced that they planned on holding their very first LGBT Pride Night, I was disheartened to see a handful of responses on social media from people who, for whatever reason, do not support this night of inclusion and community. A few people even expressed an interest in selling their tickets to that game. <br /><br />That's why I wrote <a href="http://thankyoubasedball.com/2015/03/27/oakland-athletics-pride-night-2015/" target="_blank">this</a>; an offer to the fans who wished to sell their tickets. I told them that Sean and I would purchase their tickets at face value and donate them to the Bay Area's local <a href="http://fosteryouthalliance.org/?point_of_contact=bay-area-youth-center" target="_blank">Our Space LGBTQI Community Center for teens and young adults</a> . <br /><br />We didn't want to see anyone at the game who feels uncomfortable being there, but we also didn't want those tickets to go to waste. It seemed like a win-win solution. <br /><br />Since posting that, Sean and I have gotten an overwhelming response. For every one negative comment about Pride Night, we've gotten dozens of positive comments of support. <br /><br />Many people offered to donate their own tickets to Our Space, and others offered to donate money to purchase more tickets. <br /><br />That gave us another idea: we wanted to start a GoFundMe to raise more funds to purchase as many tickets as we can to Athletics LGBT Pride Night and give them all to Our Space. We want to show these teens and young adults so desperately in need of community that they have one right here in the Oakland Athletics.<br /><br />Sean and I will personally match donations up to $3000. Let's all work together to raise $6000 and fill the stands at the O.Co on 6/17.<br /><br />Anything above $6000 will be donated equally to <a href="http://www.baycyouth.org/lgbtq-community-center.html" target="_blank">Our Space</a>, <a href="http://www.apeb.org/" target="_blank">AIDS Project East Bay</a>, and <a href="http://www.frameline.org/" target="_blank">Frameline</a>. <br /><br />Thank you in advance for your generosity. The Athletics community has been so welcoming to Sean and me since Sean was called up to play in 2012. We may be a small market team, but we have a community that comes together in a big market way. <br /><br />And if you are interested in purchasing tickets to this game, you can buy them <a href="http://oakland.athletics.mlb.com/oak/schedule/group_events.jsp?content=pride&amp;partnerId=as_oak_20150326_42773956" target="_blank">here</a>.

Filling the Stands on Pride Night

<p>On February 11th, I received an E-Mail that started out like this:<br /><br /><br /><strong><em>People,</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Has anyone else noticed now that Jeff has been rocking the beard for a while - he looks like a middle aged Pavarotti? At times, he also has ventured into a bit of hipster phase. In addition to publicly questioning his fashion choices, his bachelor party will be a good time for us to celebrate him leading up to his wedding.</em></strong><br /><br /><br />At first, when I first saw this in my Inbox, I didn't really know what to think. But the my next thought was, "I don't know anyone named Jeff that looks anything at all like Luchano Pavarotti"!</p>
<p><br />Curiousity now captured, I noticed there was quite a few people on the CC line - including my own E-Mail address. I studied each address, racking my brain for a number of minutes, but couldn't figure out who I knew or why I was invited.<br /><br />Then, it dawned on me. I wasn't invited.<br /><br />Except, I was. Just by mistake.<br /><br />As the days and weeks went on, there would be periodic "Reply All" updates to everyone addressed in the original E-Mail, myself included. Over time I was able to piece together that this was occuring in Philadelphia (somewhere I've never been). The schedule of festivities would include things like enjoying some drinks / taking in some March Madness, a shuffleboard tournement (winner take all), and a bit of gambling at a local establishment for good measure. Kind of sounded like fun, actually.<br /><br />At first I questioned if I should write back and ask to be removed from further ongoing E-Mails. But seeing as how many of the replies were generally entertaining to read, I thought that, perhaps, I'd just remain a "fly on the wall" for the time being. I even jokingly mentioned on Facebook a few times how I should totally "crash the party" and be "that dude that everyone has no idea who he is or why he's here".<br /><br />Then, yesturday, the organizer of this bachelor's party decided to up the ante by sending out another follow-up and specifically called out all the people he hadn't yet heard from. Of course, my E-Mail address was on that list.<br /><br />So, on a whim, I decided to reply back to everyone with the following:<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong><em>Hi All,</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>So, I have no idea who any of you guys are, but I have been enjoying being a fly on the wall hearing about the plans for this bachelor party over the last few months.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>I'm assuming my E-Mail address was added to the list by mistake (perhaps a typo of someone else?).</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>I live out in Seattle, WA and although for a moment I thought it might be funny to just show up and be that guy nobody knows but everyone wonders "who is that guy?", buying a plane ticket for a cross-country flight just to crash a bachelor's party might be a bit over the top (although it would be epic!).</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Nonetheless, I do hope you guys have a great time and I'd like to take a moment to wish the best of luck in life to the groom!</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Cheers!</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Joey DiJulio</em></strong><br /><em><strong>Seattle, WA</strong><br /><br /><br /></em>To my surprise, fairly quickly I started getting replies back from the group like this:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>I say everyone forks up an extra $20 and we get Joey a plane ticket to Philly!</em></strong></p>
<p><br />and<br /><br /></p>
<p><strong><em>I just facebooked Joey DiJulio in WA, and if this is you - you actually look like you could be related to groom. MIND BLOWN</em></strong></p>
<p><br />Sure enough, the picture they dug up (re-used in the picture for this GoFundMe Account) was me. I replied back to confirm:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Haha... Yes, that is indeed me with my (now 2-year old, she was about 3-months there) daughter, Kaylee. Speaking of bachelor parties, weddings, and the like, that shot was actually taken at a wedding for a buddy of mine who also, coincidentally, happens to now live out on the east coast (Boston). Small world!</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Indeed, I think I recall seeing a picture of the groom over the last few months, and noticed this as well. I'm of course glad to know he's a studly guy - His soon-to-be-wife is a lucky woman!</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>PS: Still kind of a mystery to me how I got on this thread, as I've never been to PA or anywhere in the NE part of our country for that matter. But, you guys seem like a cool bunch nonetheless. Perhaps I'll have to drop you folks a line if I ever make it out there for tips on tourist-type things to check out. <br /><br /></em></strong></p>
<p>And then came a reply from the Groom, Jeff:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>Joe,</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>I'm overnighting you a wedding invite. You show up at the bachelor party and ill make you my best man. </em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>You can give the toast even</em></strong><br /><br /><br /><strong><em>Jeff</em></strong></p>
<p><br />As well as someone calling dibs on me being their shuffleboard partner for one of events for the evening:</p>
<p> </p>
<p><strong><em>I call Joey DiJulio as my shuffle board partner.</em></strong><br /><br /><strong><em>Joey, we’ll take down Minetti and the Golden Boy…make Kaylee proud. I’ll see you there!</em></strong></p>
<p> </p>
<p>So, what to do?</p>
<p><br />I posted a status update on Facebook to make light of the situation and the overwhelming response was pretty much summed up as follows:</p>
<p><br /><strong>GO!!!<br /><br /><br /></strong>They say in life, you only regret the things you don't do, not the things you do.</p>
<p>So, with that said, I'm going see if I can raise the funds here to go crash (well, kind of crash - I mean, I *was* invited) this party!</p>
<p> </p>
<p>I've calculated the costs it will take to get me from my home town of Seattle, WA out to Philadelphia, PA to attend Jeff's bachelor's party - which is scheduled to take place on Saturday, March 28th.<br /><br />The goal for this is currently $1264 which - at least as of tonight - should be able to cover round-trip airfare, hotel stay, cover charge for the event itself, and a bit of spending money for the shuffle board tourny and gambling.<br /><br />Since it's under two (2) weeks away, the costs may shift a bit over the next few days, so I may have to update the goal depending on how that changes. Of course, the longer this goes, the higher the costs get, so I'm hoping if this thing actually has legs we can meet the goal in very short order!</p>
<p><br />I should also note that if I *don't* raise the goal amount, everyone's money goes back (i.e, if I don't get to the goal and don't end up going, I'm not just going to run off with people's pledges!)<br /><br />A number of my buddies on Facebook have expressed a desire to throw $20 toward this. If 64 (or so) people are actually serious about that (and everything else logistically works out), I guess I'm heading to PA for a bachelor's party!<br /><br /></p>
<p>PS: If I happen to raise MORE than my goal, my pledge to you is use some of the overage to buy Jeff and his wife-to-be a nice wedding gift!</p>

Jody Collins

Jody Collins

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