Eddie's Attic Benefit and Auction for Desiree
Decatur Metro | July 5, 2008Carl sends along this benefit info from the owner of Sycamore Place Gallery…
Yesterday was Desiree’s 32nd birthday. She completed her third round of chemo and came home for a brief respite from the hospital room. She returns tomorrow and will finish her fourth and hopefully last round of chemo by summer’s end. She is appropriately grouchy and overwhelmingly grateful for the prayers, cards, food gift cards, babysitters, financial contributions, rides to and from the hospital, soups, those who packed and moved her belongings from her apartment to my house, the house cleaners, the books & DVD’s, the baseball games for the boys, the camps, and general all over support from the communities of L5P and Decatur, notwithstanding her family and friends from out of town.
She has been denied medicaid. At this time she cannot work and receives no social services. The current wait for disability is 2-6 months. She was diagnosed formally on April 18 and the answer is still up in the air.
Kodac Harrison, Eddie Owen, and Stephanie Stuckey Benfield are coordinating a musical benefit and auction on Thursday, July 31st at Eddie’s Attic. The musical acts currently include Kodac, Caroline Aiken, Angela Motter, Sonia Tetlow, Elise Witt, Emily Saliers, Matthew Kahler, Klimchak, and Yellow. A lovely dance/spoken word performance by Lori Guarisco and a reading by Rupert Fike will round out the evening. There will be auction items including restaurants, art, sports tickets, massage, vacation rentals, and more. An all-ages show begins at 6:30 and an adult show follows at 8:30 pm.
Please come and enjoy the event and forward this information to friends. There will be a $20- donation requested at the door.
If you would like to make a financial contribution Ira Katz has set up an account at B.O.N.D. Community Credit Union called “Friends of Desiree'”. If you would like to make an auction item available please contact Stephanie Stuckey Benfield at .
Thanks, everyone, once again and I hope to see you on the 31st!
Sylvia Cross aka Desiree’s Mom aka Cartman & Schroeder’s Grandmama
Latest from Decaturish
Here’s a follow-up from Sylvia:
It has taken me a full day and a half to absorb the phenomenal impact of Thursday evening’s benefit and auction. The gathering of community, musicians, writers, auction donors and the entire staff of Eddie’s Attic combined to make a substantial impact on the financial burdens of our family.
The unflagging energies of Kodac Harrison, Eddie Owen, Stephanie Stuckey Benfield, and Alexa Adamo-Valverde cannot go unrecognized. This group of individuals worked tirelessly to recruit space, performers, auction donations, and press that ensured the success of the event.
Tim O’Donnell’s touching video of Desiree’, Cartman And Schroeder made in Desiree’s room at Grady Memorial Hospital enabled the family to thank everyone.
I want to thank Matthew Kahler who was joined by Michael Levine and Eric Litwin for opening a fabulous children’s section that had the adults moving their hands and heads around like a menagerie of beasties. Elise Witt is the quintessential songbird that somehow enables us to feel like we can sing out loud somewhere else besides the shower. Caroline’s personal story and Gullah songs were lovely and touching. Kodac’s song and story about his dog, Rudy, is one that we all relate to.
The second half opened with Lori Guarisco’s theatrical talents that transformed the stage mirroring the stormy elements outside the patio. She was joined by the combined musical talents of Bill Orsich and Will Fratesi; lighting compliments of Mackenzie and Carlton.
The Band of Desperate Men energized us all. Elise Witt reminded us that grownups can have fun, but also reminding us why we had gathered. Caroline and Emily were literally show stoppers as Emily paid homage to Caroline onstage as these two greats combined forces of musicianship and song that left me breathless.
The evening reached another pinnacle when Kodac brought Alexa onstage for a live auction that resulted in a bidding war that resulted in two winners for a 45 minute guitar lesson with Emily Saliers netting $2100-and matched by Emily. Matthew followed with his infectious percussion. Klimchak brought percussive performance to the stage. Rupert Fike gave a moving and witty reading followed by Angela Motter’s gutsy guitar and comedic monologue. Sonia Tetlow touched me with her memories of her first gig and mandolin. Kodac Harrison,who emceed the event finished with a song inspired by Cartman & Schroeder entitled “Pick Me Up”.
The Bone Marrow Drive was a success with 30 new donors.The home health care information was informative and grounding.
Michele Janko and Sherrie Jackson gave unending energy and flair to the auction.
The staff of Eddie’s gave professional and courteous service throughout the evening.
The crowd was awesome and festive on the patio and in the streets in the rain even as they were told the show was SOLD OUT!
Thank you doesn’t say it all, but I can’t say it enough.
Thank you.
Good people doing good things. Decatur at it’s finest!
Awesome. Thanks for that Carl.
Here’s another update from Sylvia:
Desiree’ Cross had a biopsy last week. She met with the doctors yesterday and she is in a state of remission.She will be tested again in 6 months.She has residual chronic pain, but will live to overcome it!Thank you all for your prayers,donations and all means of support.I will be pleased to update you on her progress as she improves.The family is grateful for you all.
Grady is the best!