The Choroideremia Research Foundation (CRF) held a fundraiser last Sunday October 4th at the Rock Café in Springfield, Massachusetts.
As many of you know, E.J. Scott the boyfriend of Deborah Ann Woll (Jessica on True Blood) is slowly losing his sight because of Choroideremia.
The Beer Tasting Fundraiser organized by Cory and Karen MacDonald, featured more than 26 beers from 17 different countries, plus food and a live jazz trio.
According to Cory MacDonald, the Executive Director of the CRF, the event also known as the “Blindies and Bloodlusters” was an enormous success with a total of $7383.00 raised for the foundation.
The best part of the evening was the raffle and silent auction items that included: a replica of the necklace Anna Paquin wore at the Comic-Con event (that went for $450), a signed Boston Celtics Jersey, a mini fridge, autographed Boston Red Sox picture, along with many gift baskets and certificates with all proceeds directed to CRF.
Billsbabe Lisa attended the event: “I had the pleasure of meeting Cory MacDonald the coordinator for this event who is also afflicted with Choroideremia. I also met Jean Armitage, Volunteer Fundraiser Coordinator for the Brentwood Theatre in Essex and Cindy from True Blood News at The Nest. We had a wonderful time sampling the different beers, and checking out the many wonderful raffle items. I had the highest bid on the Boston Bruins jersey as well as a signed Boston Celtics print. My husband attended with me and was thrilled with his new sports goodies as well as all the good tasting beers!”
Jean Armitage, Cory MacDonald and Billsbabe Lisa
Halfway through the raffle items, Cory received a phone call – he held up his cell phone to the microphone. It was Deborah Ann Woll calling from Vancouver where she is filming on location. She expressed the hope that perhaps next year she and EJ can attend the CRF Beer Fest. She thanked everybody for participating, congratulated the success of the event and then announced that for the auction she would sign and personalize her headshot for the highest bidder. This item was won by Brentwood Theatre fundraiser Jean Armitage.
Cory Macdonald sends out a special thank you to everybody who donated to the CRF: “Mentally, physically and emotionally, I’m still in recovery mode. I am blown away by all the support from people like the True Blood fans who aren’t even directly affected by CHM… I love you guys!!”
For more information about Choroidermia read EJ’s blog “Losing weight for charity and myself” or visit his Facebook page or The Choroideremia Research Foundation website.
Or donate directly and safely to the Choroideremia Research Foundation by credit card using the PayPal button here below. Donations are tax deductible for US residents.
This PayPal button was provided to the Vault by Cory MacDonald, Executive Director of the Choroideremia Research Foundation.
Thanks for going, Lisa, and representing the Billsbabes.
That’s a good chunk of change for charity!
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thanks for the support everybody!!! you guys rock!!
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What a wonderful event. Wish I didn’t live so far away. Thanks, Lisa, for representing us all. A very nice total for CRF, and a good time for all who attended.
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Shad thank you for posting this – I had a wonderful time for a great cause!
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Thank you Luvinbill for going for us and representing the Billsbabes. I’m so glad that all the other True Blood fan sites followed our lead and contributed to this worthy cause, and a shout out to the Alexander Skarsgards sites too for thier huge contributions!
Sounds like a great event, everybody had fun ! and they did so well with raising all that money! Congrats to the Foundation!
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Way to go Luvinbill. Every dollar counts and it’s great too see a Billsbabe present and accounted for.
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Lisa, it was great meeting you, looking forward to getting together with you and your hubby soon. Because I’m a stickler for detail and facts.. :)
The “Blindies & Bloodlusters” part was actually the night before, when four CHMers, Jean, Cindy from TrueBlood-News, and a bunch of other friends went to dinner at a local German restaurant.. Reservations for 12 were in the name of, “Blindies & Bloodlusters”… It was the perfect warm up. :)
The jersey that Lisa won was a Gerry Cheevers Bruins Jersey. She also snagged a signed Ray Allen Celtics picture. We also auctioned two tickets to a Celtics game, 2nd row from the court!
Again, thanks to everyone who attended.. A special shout out to the crew at TB-News for procuring and donating the shirt & mug, and that Anna Paquin necklace!!
I’m finally done with all the post event paperwork, time to get back to the daily work of the CRF.. Thanks again to everyone for your support of the CRF! With my eyes being where they are, it will most likely be too late for me in a few years. However, it won’t be too late for EJ, and it certainly won’t be too late for his nephew! Every dime counts!
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Shadaliza Reply:
October 8th, 2009 at 1:40
We are hoping and praying that is won’t be too late for you and for so many others. We will continue our support to the CRF.
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What a great cause, and how great that so much money was raised! I donated today, as well. It’s wonderful how everyone can come together for something like this, it makes all the difference in the world.
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Lou, I’m the guy that processes all the donations and just printed out the notification for yours.. Thanks!
Shad, this may sound strange, but I always ask that people not pray for a cure for me… Always felt it was a bit presumptuous. Instead, please pray that I will have the strength to deal with whatever my reality is going to be, good or bad.
Thanks everyone!
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