Raggin' Piano Boogie

I am not going to let the "giving" motivation and enthusiasm of the passing season wane now that Christmas and New Year's day is past. Consider the following. I have made the commitment to, as they say, "put your money where your mouth is", In the beginning of February I will be driving to Mississippi and New Orleans to give no cost performance for people affected by and recovering from Katrina. This is for sure. I need financial support.

Please contribute financially or with whatever influence or resources you have to help Raggin' Piano Boogie travel and perform for the hurricane affected areas of the country. My dog Boner and I will not be traveling South to charge a fee for performance appearances. Raggin' Piano Boogie will be the gift of some good fun for those who can relate to the song title, 'Do You Know What It Means To Miss New Orleans', and for all those who are helping out. Do not believe anyone who says that the hurricane ravaged areas are doing fine and are getting back on their feet quickly. In some areas, there is permanent damage and loss. Where it is possible, there will be a very long-term recovery for everything and everyone if a recovery can materialize to begin with.

I would like to state my motives and where my thoughts and ideas are coming from concerning this request for financial support. First off, I do not have any money, never did. I pay my bills. I may lose my home with this venture but I will pull through. I always do. This is what my life long friends say. When disasters happen around the globe my first impulse is a desire to be helpful and then my thoughts usually turn to the fact that there are people in my own "back yard" needing help. I usually ask myself what am I doing in my own "back yard". I was especially disturbed and moved when Hurricane Katrina hit the United States after witnessing the slow response compared to the recent Indian Ocean Tsunami and I knew immediately now was the time for me to do something in my own back yard.

Contributing financially to charities has never been my thing to do. I would rather give what I have individually. One-on-one interactions are worth more to me. I have always valued my personal time and efforts more than money. I might feel differently if I ever have money. I know that this will be a difficult Christmas for many in the hurricane-affected areas. I am more acutely aware of just how difficult it will be with the post holiday blues and when the general focus on giving either dies away or is just drained out of many people and organizations. I have never been the kind of guy who sends a card and gift to someone who is sick or in the hospital. I much prefer to visit in person and spend time "being with". This has been more helpful for me to do for others concerning the healing process.

I feel strongly that the best way to help the areas of the country that are hurting, the best way to help them to recover and get back on their feet, is to go and visit them with them. Stimulate the communities with care and respect. Spend time there. Stimulate the economy personally from inside and out on their behalf, let them know that they are on everyone's minds. Let them know that they are not forgotten, "the neighbors in the back yard". Help them to want to return home. Show those that had to move away and relocate that their communities still have value and help them to return home feeling welcomed.

Please help us, the piano guy and dog with truck, spread the good will of Raggin' Piano Boogie with its creative, positive, inclusive, and fun presence.

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