Oakland Benefit:

Save the Date!

We're putting together a Circus Carnival next Saturday the 28th
It will be a Benefit for Hollis Hawthorne
and will be outside our warehouse in downtown oakland
from about 2pm till dark (7 or 8pm)

We are looking for bands, performers
also for carnival booths, ideas? volunteers?
bbq and food helpers
raffle and door helpers
RAFFLE DONATIONS! got art, a bike, massage, anything?
decoraters etc
please repost too!
Family friendly event! get those kids out here!

From: slimchance@spaz.org

Two Beautiful Articles on Hollis by Friends:

http://uprooted.jessicareeder.com/2009/03/off-topic-help-hollis-hawthorne/

and

http://www.fogcityjournal.com/wordpress/2009/03/17/hollis%E2%80%99-story-our-story-a-tale-of-immense-riches-during-hard-times/#more-1104

Hollis Update:

Just talked to Harrison with a Hollis Update.
She has been moved to a room with a floor-to-ceiling window from which you can see rolling hills, trees and the sunset. She has been very responsive lately, moving arm and making facial expressions. It is as though she knows where she is and is unhappy with the situation. It is hard to watch her painful expressions, but it is a good sign that she is warming back up to our reality. I can imagine her personality will be angry with being babied, angry with pity, and angry for not being able to be in her body. This reminds us to be patient with her and her situation as she goes through childhood and adolescence again.

This reminds me of etiquette while talking to a person in a coma.

1. You are a mirror for their emotions. Be cheerful and positive. If you are crying and upset, she will be soaking that in. Try talking to her in positive ways, talking about things she enjoys, things on the brighter side of life.

2. They can hear you. Some insight is provided by another burner woman who was internally decapitated and fell into a coma. During the unfortunate circumstances Amacker had while in a coma, she was able to share this:
"As I said, I was in a coma for a long time. And I remember all of it. And my brother, who never left my side, spent a lot of time talking to me. And his words were part of the script of my "coma reality." In other words, she probably CAN hear you, and depending on her brain,and how she dreams, she can process this into her world in some way. (so don't repeat yourself .. my bro did that a couple of days in a row and i was *so* flumoxed!)"

Amacker has made a miraculous recovery from a motorcycle accident 2 years ago and talks more about it here: http://helpholligethome.blogspot.com/2009/03/i-just-spoke-briefly-with-diane.html#comments

Hope you enjoy these tips.
I will get the updated visitor information as it arrives. Until then, the sidebar of this blog has the instructions on how to visit Hollis.

Money and Fundraiser Update:

First of all, Congratulations everyone!!
We scored a Touchdown!!
We successfully reached one of our goals of bringing Hollis home.
We are not out of the woods yet. There are still many uncertainties surrounding her recovery and medical expenses. Therefore we are charging along to meet our goal of $200k. And we are not alone in our efforts. We are still getting many benefits in line to satisfy our goals. This network of friends is setting a national (and worldwide) example of how any obstacle is possible to overcome with a little compassion. Or a lot!
There are several fundraisers planned in the future.

Here is a list:
1. Every Tuesday till the end of march Franny is holding a raffle with AMAZING prizes. This is in San Francisco after 9pm at Amnesia on 19th and Valencia. more info: frannypny@hotmail.com

2. This Thursday Miranda Rugburn and KJ Glenny Kravitz are hosting a karaoke benefit at Il Parata 2007 16th near Potrero. more info: mirandography@gmail.com or 773.971.1199

3. Oakland is hosting an outdoor carnival March 28th @ Your House. They are looking for more carnival games and acts. They are allowed to do fire spinning! Jump on this because that is a rare thing in this town. To get involved email goatmandan@juno.com or slimchance@spaz.org

4. Saturday 3/21 in Gerlach NV @ Joe's Gerlach Club. 7pm Bbq'ing tri-tip and other things, having a prize raffle for a mystery Black Rock Tour with Farmer and Fstick and for your listening pleasure The Newly Formed Gerlach All Stars will be playing at 8pm!!! BRING YOUR BANJO!!!! more info: Gary Ullas@yahoo.com or Fstick
jonathan.g@gmail.com

5. March 29th Leslie aka Ocean is hosting a benefit called pARTicipate: 7-10pm @ The Mercury Lounge, 56 Byward, Ottawa, Canada. Performers: Leslie, Shakti fusion bellydance, Francesca (RockabillyBurlesque) Dani LeBlanc, Safiya, Halyma, Joshua Tacoma, plus more.
more info: leslie@shaktifusion.ca

6. Austin, TX is planning a benefit at The Enchanted Forest (date tba) There are many performers already in action, they are just solidifying the date. more info: Anne Bonny chickenmcfetus@gmail.com

I know I am overlooking something. Please email me if I have forgotten something. I am trying to do this fast and concise. eliza@friendsofhollis.com

And least I forget, THE NUMBERS!!!!
First, some thanks to Portland, who just deposited $3,875 in the bank from For The Love Of Hollis event! Special thanks to the Sprockettes for organizing and pdx DPW for helping clean up the space. And of course to all of the performers and myriad of volunteers. If you didn't get to see the pictures, here is the link: http://www.kodelab.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=1032&g2_page=1

After chasing down paypal denominations, bank totals, checks to be deposited, and putting them in a number crunch, we have currently raised.......
~~~~~~~~~~~
~~~~oh em geee~~
>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>(I like doing this)<<<<<<<
$95,236!!!

towards our goal of $200k
AND THE CROWD GOES WILD!!!!!!!
JUMP UP AND DOWN!!!!
We are nearing the halfway mark of our goals IN ONLY THREE WEEKS.
This is so astounding, it has been on the local news twice. AMEN!

Keep up the good work. Take a step back and regroup. Think about the power of miracles. Tell yourself you are one.

Karaoke Benefit this Thurs. @ Il Pirata:

"Who loves karaoke?
We love karaoke!!!

Who loves helping a celebrated dancer in our community get on her feet again?
We love Hollis!!!

So come on out this Thurs, March 19th to Il Parata, where we can sing her some love, and love her some more. The way this karaoke night will work is you pay two bucks to sign up for a song. Depending on the song and how badly you do, someone from the audience can pay another two bucks to stop it, and who knows? Maybe "Living on a Prayer" is ::ahem:: someone's favorite song, so they can pay another two bucks to start it back up again, and on, and on... And if you want to up the ante, hey that's acceptable too! So, come drunk, stay drunk, be tone deaf and rowdy!

Tapped out for cash? Got a huge pile of cd's (what're those?) laying around? Bring 'em in so we can sell them to Amoeba Records. Or maybe you have some of Gramma's gold costume jewelry? Glenny knows a gold dealer who will give us a fair price. Or just come out and regale in the good energy and positive thoughts! Just b/c you're too shy to get on stage doesn't mean you can't watch other people make an ass out of themselves!

The where:
Il Parata
2007 16th St (near Potrero)
San Francisco, Ca

The when:
March 19th (THIS THURSDAY!!!), sign up for songs starts at 9pm, so get there early to get a slot!
Bar until bar time.

The Who:
The most celebrated KJ ever, Mr. Glenny Kravitz!!!

I can't wait to see your shining, stumbling, smiling faces coming together for this most awesome and deserving girl!

Ooh, ooh! Can some one bring a recorder? That would be hilarious if we could play the karaoke songs in her honor back to her!"

Oakland Benefit:

Goat Man Dan is organizing a benefit March 28th @ Your House in Oakland.
They are planning an early afternoon outdoor barbecue and carnival atmosphere that will be moved inside as the sun goes down. If you would like to lend a hand, an act, or a fire performance, email him at: goatmandan@juno.com or call (510.289.7602)

Fog City Journal Pics of Gold Rush!

Cat Rauschuber passed this link along of never before seen Gold Rush photos. Enjoy!
http://www.fogcityjournal.com/images/photos2009/hollis_hawthorne_benefit_slims_090312/

Hollis Visiting Situation:

Hollis' visiting hours while she is in the ICU are:
Two people at a time.
10am-10pm on the even hour.
For a duration of a half an hour.

While she is in the shared room with others, she is not allowed flowers.
When she gets her own room, she will be allowed more freedoms, including more visitors at a time for longer.

Harrison is overseeing the visiting hours.
You can call him (please don't abuse the number)
415.987.6576

At the Moment she is in E2 at the Stanford Hospital on campus.

KTVU news follow up of Hollis' arrival:

http://www.ktvu.com/video/18945744/index.html

Tuesday is Raffle day at Amnesia:

Now we have Hollis under our thumbs, we can breathe a little. That doesn't mean we are giving up on our fundraising goal. It could all be gone in one quick flash. We are seeing through the efforts of our community to raise up a cushion for our Hollis to lay her head.

I met Franny at Gold Rush and she emailed me an updated list of the super spectacular prizes you can win with a raffle ticket. She has never met Hollis, but is friends of her friends. When she heard, her heart went out to her mother and she felt compelled to do something. This is an example of the awesome magnitude of the powers of compassion. Thanks Franny and everyone who donated.
Any questions? contact her:
frannypny@yahoo.com
she said:

I will be at Amnesia every Tuesday after 9pm to sell tickets until March 31st. I am looking for volunteers to take 10 tickets each to sell in the meantime.

SF:
Dark Garden Corsetry is selling tickets to the raffle. Thanks DG!!
http://www.darkgarden.com/">
Oakland:
Azure Salon will be selling raffle tickets for the east bay.

azurehairsalon.com - 510.601.6600

4315 Piedmont Avenue - Oakland

Mon-Fri 12-8 pm - Saturday 12-4 pm

Contact - Cindy Lopez

If you are out of state, I will mail your prize to you!!

The raffle will be held:
Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Time: 7:30pm - 9:00pm
Location: The Bus Stop Gallery
Street: 135 Dore off Folsom between 9th and 10th
City/Town: San Francisco, CA
Phone: 408.202.0763



Hollis Raffle Prizes
$10.00 per raffle ticket

*1 BURNING MAN TICKET: VALUE, PRICELESS
Thank you Burning Man Organization

* Haircut at Azure Salon: $60 value in Oakland www.azurehairsalon.com

(east bay raffle tickets outlet)

*Tcho Chocolate: Value $175.00 Thanks Holly for your personal donation
*Spa Day at Opals:Value $250.00
*Franny's massage, Aeion's psychic reading, great food. This may be augmented. stay tuned for updates.
*Bad Unkl Sista clothing design: Value $250-300 Oh sweet goddess!!
*Miranda Carorligne custom piece from her new offcut collection. $250-300 (see link below) Thank you Miranda:)
*2 pairs of tickets to ANY Goldenvoice concert @ the Regency Grand Ballroom
tinyurl.com/regencygrand Value $100.00-200.00 Courtesy Of Justin
*2 Tix for the next Bohemian Carnival: Value $40.00 Thanks Boe
*2 Tix for Gooferman Day April 1st( must be present to win this one)
I will have lived in the city for a year come celebrate my Franiversary!!
*A fantastic champagne: Krug Grand Cuvee. Krug is widely regarded as the best champagne house in existence and has a reputation for only the utmost in quality.
Courtesy Freddie Brooks-Sommelier
*8 Posters by Lee Harvey Roswell: Value $25.00 each
You are the sweetest!!
*Custom design Bustle by Circus Trunk (Brooke) You are goddess!! look her up in my friends
*Mani/Pedi at Cocoon Day Spa:Value $60.00
*Custom Knit Hat by Melissa Castaneda( one of the great Foos) Value ($30.00?)
*Dark Garden Certificate:Value $20.00 (using my credit)
*Custom Airbrush tan in Baton Rouge from Makeup Mary (more details later)This is one of several sisters who have always been supportive:)
*A lucky double-sided visor, hand made in San Francisco by E-STAR. Rolling Dice on one side and lucky horseshoes on the other. Value: $35.00
*Color Consultation By Miz Tint Interiors. Robin Hood
*2 hour trucking or a dump run by Coastside Construction Services-Todd Kahl- Owner/Operator Thanks Todd:)
*3 hours of weeding by Patty Kazz..contact info to com
*A highly fashionable and well made tie skirt: Lori Stein. Its so cute and will be custom fit to the winner!
*$50 Dumb Clothing gift certificate!!! Paula Fletcher
very sweet Paula:)
*A pair of Neo-Victorian cuffs- Adornments For Tarts- Choklit Chanteuse $86 value. Winner could choose the pair, she has 6 or so designs.
*Anon Salon is donating a deluxe package with admission and drinks. Thanks Spoon and Joe
*1 Kazoo

Austin Benefit:

Just received word from Anne Bonny about the Austin Benefit plans.
They are planning for the second week of April and are still looking for a venue that will fit all the offers of performers for the show. If you can help her out, email her at the address below.

Anne Bonny chickenmcfetus@gmail.com

"Hey Eliza, I thought you would be interested in some updates on the Austin benefit for Hollis. I know she is coming home today!!! But I'm sure there will be years of medical bills for rehab and such so we are still gonna go head with the benefit. A friend Dominique offered up her back yard but I have gotten such a large response from people and performers it seems we will need a bigger venue. Someone offered up a warehouse space that holds 1000 people so I am looking into reserving a date for that."

Press in Palo Alto:

Hospital awaits overseas coma victim

A Big Thanks to AMR:

Rick Lamark gets a big High Five for donating an ambulance to pick up Hollis from the airport tomorrow.
He and his crew from the San Mateo division of the American Medical Response will be picking up our lady and transporting her to the Stanford Hospital in the next 24 hours.
They will also be escorting her with a response vehicle too, so our lady has an entourage.

I will be asking the hospital about the visiting hours and regulations, as well as her room number so we can start scheduling visits with her.
I will post those here, so stay tuned for more information.

This is a remarkable moment in the face of adversity. I can't hide the fact that I feel empty from the lack of a thousand things to do. I feel a little empty from all the accomplishments we have achieved. After a big weekend of fundraisers and news and wads of cash and the fact that we have achieved our goal, to Help Hollis Home. Now it is the silence. She is in the air as I type.
What flowers should I get? What powersuit should I wear? What magical rocks do I put in my pocket to help me get through our re-introduction with warmth and a smile?

Photos from Gold Rush:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/33909692@N07/3351942901/in/set-72157615210034002/

http://www.flickr.com/photos/erickathegreat/sets/72157615119146121/

INFORMATION OVERLOAD!

And if knowing the new total didn't get your blood pumping folks,
SHE'S COMING HOME ON MONDAY!!!!
I was going to wait until she was in the air to announce it. You know how these things can be more complicated than we would enjoy.
But her family's site has blown the the whistle on secrecy and announced her arrival, so You guys deserve to revel extra hard while it's still the weekend.
Thanks to a very large loan with interest and everything, Hollis' family was able to secure a flight while we are still in the fundraising state.
We will be giving all of the money we raise to her Mother. She has been paying the hospital bill everyday in India, and she will be taking care of the financial burden. Now we know that Stanford has offered their care, but we have to be real about the nature of her injury and the mystery it is shrouded. Brain stem controls the involuntary motor skill, like blinking and breathing. While she was still on the respirator, the future looked very grim to me. When she began to breath on her own again, it was a very good sign. We need to be real about the possibilities of her outcome. She could have a full recovery, or she could need assistance for the rest of her life. This money you have donated will be the safety net for her while she is considering waking up from the horrendous moment where everything changed for her.
And really, the fact that she is calibrating her eyes to both look in one direction, and that she is communicating through slight hand squeezes shows that she is regenerating. These things take time. I can only that our golden light we are lending her and Harrison will be the strength for the next step. And a better one.

Update-o rama:

Gold Rush!
First of all, a gigantic thank you to those of you who lent a hand, an art piece, a vocal chord, a dance number, a trunk full of stuff, makeup assistance etc. etc. Everyone in the hive who built the golden set, and filled it with honey. We really found a great team through this fundraiser. The venue was impressed by our teamwork, and the crowd got the epic slice of Hollis' friends and how wonderful they are. Yesterday I went to the bank with Karen and deposited the cash from the benefit which was.........................................$8,962.00! This is not the total of how much we brought in because of some donations made on the paypal station that was set up in the art gallery. I am not sure which ones are from the venue because they don't specify. That being said, the money in the paypal from the last two days is $5,000, making out total:
I know you have been waiting so I won't do as many of these~~~~~~~~~~~.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>$89,500!!
This is a truly astounding feat of friendship and networking.
AGAIN, this money is not counting the family's $30,00 they have raised.
We are on the precipice of breaking the five digit number. This amount is more than most people I know makes in a year or two. Pat yourself on the back for your efforts.
There is no Recession of Love!!

Benefit for Hollis tonight in SF:

Th'Mole is having a cd release show with knot tying workshops, musical chairs, djs, double dutch battles, and superheroe rappers. All proceeds are going to bring Hollis home. Come on out.
848 Divisadero.

Photos of Portland benefit:

Here's a link to 43 pages of photos from the Portland benefit:

http://www.kodelab.com/photos/main.php?g2_itemId=1032&g2_page=1

The Hindu with an update:

The Hindu in India has been following Hollis' story. Here's an update:
http://www.hindu.com/2009/03/13/stories/2009031356970400.htm

We joke about it and then....

You joke about something and then, wham there's a poster campaign. HA!
Folks were bored on a rainy day in New Zealand.
Thank you Bloody Knuckles and Jonny Payphone!

News!

http://www.ktvu.com/video/18921816/index.html

They covered the benefit on the 10 o'clock news! Thanks KTVU!

The suspense...

I will tell you the total in a moment.
I know you all want it! Let me do some accounting.
But first, YOGA BENEFIT INFO:

Do Yoga for Hollis!
2pm, Saturday, March 14th, 2009
Bikram Yoga in the Mission - 2390 Mission Street at 20th Street, SF, CA 94110
Give from your heart - all proceeds go to help Hollis come home and get well!
Come share your energy with your community & do more than just raise a glass to your friend - send her some yogic love!

Friend, yogini, and kindred spirit Hollis Hawthorne needs your help!
How do we plan to give it to her? With yoga, of course!
Hollis went to India in search of a guru.... Let's show her that her gurus were here the whole time - right in her own backyard.

Hollis tried and practiced a variety of styles of yoga, including Bikram Yoga. In fact, she was an integral part of this studio when we were just getting things off the ground. I am confident that she would be honored to know that her friends were practicing yoga together and sharing our collective energy to give her some when she needs it the most.

Bikram Yoga is a 90-minute class that is suitable for anyone to practice - beginners are always welcome! Come hydrated and on an empty stomach. Wear clothing you are comfortable sweating in. Be prepared to challenge yourself and have fun.

This class will sell out! To sign up online, go to www.bikramyogainthemission.com
Questions? Please email Steve23 & Juicy Sanchez: info@missionyoga.com