Arise Fundraiser

Welcome! I apologize for not updating the blog consistently, but I have been overwhelmed by preparations for the fundraiser that was held on Saturday.

The concert was... extraordinary. It was simply amazing that we managed to get all of those people to join us to celebrate the progress I've made. Since I wasn't able to attend last year, I had no way of knowing what to expect. I have to say I was blown away by the response of friends, family, and the community.

While I spent a good majority of my time saying hello to everyone, I was able to hear the musical acts that were performing in my honor. The first to play was Lenox Underground, an adult musical group that had a couple members from Summit. I have to say I was a little skeptical at first, but when they got to work and people were dancing, I had no problems grooving myself. Playing a collection of cover music as well as original pieces, they set the stage for the rest of the night.

The second musical act, Orchard, was a Rufolo brother concoction. Playing mostly original pieces, with an occasional Radiohead cover, the band blew everyone away. Some who have heard them before were surprised by the level of creativity and talent. The rest of the audience who had never heard them, watched in awe. They had such an eclectic sound and even played a song that I had written when I was in high school, which just happened to be titled "Arise".

The final act was a friend of mine whom I had met in Manhattan years ago. We had lost touch but one of my close friends (Maria) managed to contact him so he could surprise me with a live performance. John Lardieri played the final few songs at the fundraiser, leaving the crowd speechless. It was truly a gift to hear him and share his music with the rest of the crowd.

This fundraiser was such a humbling experience. Even in this weakened economy, people showed up by the hundreds to share what they could, whether it was time or money. Friends of mine put so much effort into this event and really created a wonderful evening. My mother and I hate having our hands out, but find ourselves in that position often, recently. We try to accept everything we are given with humility and gratitude.

Even though it was a tiring day, we ended up at the bar. My closest friends and family members came to enjoy a night cap. Here, at some crappy bar in Springfield, is where the night really set in. The thought of everything people have done for me, in just one evening, was overwhelming. I looked around the bar, mid-sip, and realized how truly lucky I am.

Unfortunately, I woke up Sunday to watch the Buffalo Bills lose yet another game. It wasn't just another game, but a battle against my brother-in-law's favorite team. To all those who watch football, you know how truly humiliating it is to lose to San Francisco. Here I found myself battling with the energizing feeling from Saturday night's festivities and the pain of losing to one of the worst teams in the NFL. For those reading, if you are true friends you will join me in saying, "SCREW YOU SAN FRANCISCO!"

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, unless you are San Francisco fan. Tune in next time.