You have shown me how to live.

You have shown me how to live.

I woke today renewed in the beauty of this world. The kindness and generosity I have been shown is a testament to the good we are all capable of. It has all been a true act of love. I had high aspirations in planning this. I believed we could raise $10,000 for Project Sol Flower. With all of your help, we reached that goal. I am humbled by your generosity. I have received many notes of thanks for dreaming up and organizing this event. But it was never about me. There are so many people responsible for this amazing night coming to be. 

Starting with our musicians; Brynn Arens, Beth Brennan, Tim Butler, Michael Cain, Haley Dawn, Joe Falkowski, Mike Gairinsin, John Gensmer, Brian HBK, Steve Hill, Ben Horn, Jake Jacobs, Brant Jackson, Todd Michael Jameson, Matt Kirkwold, Tim Kletti, Timmy Leonard, Marcus Lere, Ean Collin Lockner, Tim Mahoney, Tom Moga, Brian Onthebass, Walter Powell, Jeff Rutland, Tim Sigler, Krystin Siltberg, Kirk Stallings, Matt Tennessen, Billy Thommes, Christian Twigg, Eric Vobejda, Kris Vox, Chris Westfall, and Tony Williams – thank you for donating your time and talent to make this one epic evening of music. The energy was incredible. You brought a lot of joy to so many faces last night. I am a big fan of all of you. 

To so many All-Stars and others who donated their time and efforts to keep this event running smoothly; Alyssa Chapman, Patsy Williams, Sara Nystuen, Rufus Gulick, April Monigold, Randall Lewis, Terry Hopp, Eddie Krekeler, Joseph Kinney, and Andrea Skelly. You were all vital in collecting money for this great charity. Thanks to Timmy Leonard for his huge heart. Timmy donated the guitar, bass, and drum head that were raffled off. He also brought in a $1000 corporate donation. Thank you to EJ and Kenny, from Ziggy’s Live Music in Hudson, for donating their time to run security. Derrick Dotterweich donated his time, equipment, and probably sanity in running sound for 35 different musicians in one night.

Thanks to our host for the evening, Mr. Dave Dahl. On a star-studded evening, you shone very brightly. And it wasn’t just the jacket. 😉 

To Judd Sather, for donating such a beautiful event space where we could put this on. That generosity made this dream possible. A million thanks to you and your team at the JX. 

Thank you, Paul Barber. You gave me the courage to believe we could pull this off. Your guidance was an integral part of the planning and execution of it all. Love you, brother. 

Thank you to all of you who came out and donated money to this organization I believe in. Anyone who makes someone else’s life better is a hero in my book. You’re going to make dreams come true. Thank you to Christy Grosbol, who flew in from Denver to represent Project Sol Flower. I was truly honored by your presence. Thank you, Kaydee Koch. You showed me how to live and inspired so many to donate their time, talents, and money so that other young adults aren’t marginalized during their difficult journey.  

And finally, thank you to my wife, Melissa, for believing I could do this. You held me up through it all. Thank you for putting up with me and my anxiety over the last few months. Or 16 years.