Freddie's Fire Fund

Freddie Roulette, as if most of you didn't know, is one of the most innovative steel guitarists alive. He has been a master bluesman who has performed and recorded with some of the most beloved musicians of our time. His roots are deep in the Bay Area and he has been a fixture on the music scene there and at festivals and appearances worldwide. 
Reality is, though that for most musicians that exist in Freddie's circles, there isn't a lot of cash in it. Freddie also recently experienced a major setback; his home burned to the ground and his steel and all his gear were lost. This would be a serious problem for most musicians, but Freddie is not as young as he used to be and his losses would have shut a lot of musicians down. Freddie is keeping a great attitude but is clearly distraught over his losses. There are great folks in his hometown that will help make the household losses more easily bearable, We, as Lap Steel Lunatics, have replaced his electronics and had a beautiful guitar built by Lap King Guitars and Jason Lollar- a custom, one-of-a-kind guitar that was a complete re-engineering job for the builders with custom additions that will make this one of the nicest steels on the planet. And I am not exaggerating. 
During all this I developed something of a friendship- long distance- with Freddie, Toni Silva and other folks that care about Freddie or have worked with him- or both! And they have invited me to deliver the guitar to Freddie, spend a little time with them and interview Freddie and other musicians while I'm there for an article to submit to Fretboard Journal. This would provide a huge boost for Freddie as he is still an active player. To do it I need to raise a little more to afford to make the trip. I appreciate all the help so far, and look forward to meeting Freddie and bringing you some video, pics and reading about the instrument, Freddie and the folks who love him. 
I know Freddie will be grateful.