Do Something Good, Part II

Roughly a year ago, I wrote a post this blog listing metal brothers and sisters in financial need.  It turned out well.  I have seen the power of benefit shows, fundraisers, donations and sales to benefit people in our metal community who need help for one reason or another.  It also reaffirms that metalheads aren’t the knuckle-dragging assholes we sometimes get pegged as.

I compiled an updated list of metal brothers, sisters, kids and groups that can use a little help.  Even if you can only spare a dollar, it’s going to someone who needs and appreciates it.
(If you want to help out even more people, you can see my list from last year.)

Help Haley

Haley Huber is the six year old daughter of Skull Records Radio CEO/DJ Dean Huber, aka DJ Skully.  She has leukemia and is currently going through treatments.  According to his bio, Dean is involved with 11 other metal radio stations including Metal Assault Radio.  Clearly Dean has contributed to the metal community and now, his family is faced with $150,000 dollars of medical bills as a result of his daughter’s illness.

WHERE TO DONATE: http://helphaley.org/
On the site you’ll see a paypal link to donate any amount, or you can purchase a bracelet for $4.
For those located in MO or nearby, you can attend Haley’s BBQ for leukemia awareness or you can attend one of the Concerts for Kids’ Cancer benefits.

Ed Barnard,  Doommantia.com

Ed runs Doommantia.com which is chock full of news, podcasts, reviews, features, etc. that relate to doom and its’ subgenres.  At present, Ed has a $40,000 hospital bill due to suffering from two heart attacks and as a result of being unable to pay his bills, is currently homeless. He is also responsibile for the fees and duties associated with the website.  According to a Jan 14 release on his site, Ed has announced that he cannot review albums due to his situation.  You can read more about Ed’s situation here: http://www.doommantia.com/2012/12/please-give-this-some-thought.html

HOW TO HELP: You can make a donation via Paypal to Doomantia/Earthdog Promotions.  You can follow the ChipIn application on the Doomantia home page.  OR if you’re the kind of person who needs more encouragement, Ed is offering a 39 track doom compilation for only $7USD; roughly 18 cents a song.  http://doommantiavol1.bandcamp.com

 James Murphy (ex-Death), SafeHouse Productions Owner

This hits close to home as Murphy is a Florida mainstay.  In 2001, Murphy was diagnosed with a brain tumor, although he recovered, that surgery was not the last he required.  I think at this time, you get the point- being a killer axe shredder might pay the bills, but it doesn’t come with comprehensive medical coverage (not in the States at least, Canadians).  Recently Murphy posted on facebook that he needed help raising money for $3,000 owed plus expenses for his next procedure.

HOW TO HELP:  James is offering a number of things for sale on his facebook: http://www.facebook.com/jamesmurphyproducer.  Included are limited run Cause of Death shirts and signed World Under Blood CDs which Murphy played on, produced and mixed.  These items run from $30-45 and ordering info can be found on Murphy’s page.   You can make a general donation through paypal to jfmguitarist@hotmail.com/James Murphy Medical Expenses.

Or you can purchase a Son of Sam shirt designed by Sven of Aborted.  All proceeds go to James’ medical fund.  http://www.indiemerch.com/skarewear/item/15086

Cory Smoot Family Fund, GWAR

I was heartbroken when I heard the news of Smoot’s passing mid-tour.  Not only did I meet him on one of his early tours with Gwar, but he left behind a pregnant wife.  Raising a child is expensive, especially when lacking the income brought in by a member of GWAR.  MetalBlade started the Smoot Family Fund to aid Smoot’s widow and child during their time of need.

HOW TO HELP: Check out http://www.metalblade.com/smootfamilyfund/.  There’s a link to donate to paypal directly.  Also, all proceeds from the Cory Smoot Experiment album, “When Worlds Collide,” go directly to the family.

Mitch Luker Family Fund, Suicide Silence

Ok, so everyone had an opinion about this band and the circumstances in which Luker died.  Regardless, Luker left behind a five year old daughter named Kenadee.  Even if you don’t like SS, we can at least agree that it sucks that a little girl has to grow up without her father.  The band started Kenadee Luker’s Education fund, and all donations go towards her future education.

HOW TO HELP: You can donate to the Mitch Luker Memorial Fund (MALmemorial) on paypal.  You can also follow the links on http://www.suicidesilence.net/.  For a donation of $20, you can get a commemorative t-shirt (right), for $5, your full name will be added to a tribute page on Suicide Silence’s website.

 Stand Up and Shout Cancer Fund, Ronnie James Dio Memorial

This needs very little introduction.  This fund was started in the wake of RJD’s death in order to fund cancer research, prevention research and education.  The money goes to two established cancer research organizations.

HOW TO HELP: Make a donation by following the links http://diocancerfund.org/donate/.

  Children of the Night, Wendy Dio

This is an important cause to me and RJD’s widow, Wendy happens to be involved.  Children of the Night rescues children from prostitution and sex trafficking and has been since 1979.  CotN helps affected youth gain access to legal assistance, education, medical treatment, counseling, living arrangements…pretty much everything.

HOW TO HELP: You can donate at https://childrenofthenight.org/donate/.  You can also volunteer your time by leading a workshop with residents of the facility, working in the office, tutoring students, offering your skills as a professional photographer/artist/writer/lawyer, health professional/etc., public speaking or other needs.  (You must be 18.) http://www.childrenofthenight.org/get_involved.html

 Mike Scaccia (Rigor Mortis, Ministry) Family Fund

Recently, Mike passed away during a live show due to a sudden heart attack.  Mike is survived by a wife and four children.  The fund will help the family with their general expenses- so they will be taken care of.

HOW TO HELP: Donate at https://fundrazr.com/campaigns/4PRR9

Metal Meowlisha (Don Tardy, Obituary)

Last, but certainly not least, Metal Meowlisha is Donald Tardy’s cat rescue.  He and his wife support 20 colonies of feral cats, including Trap-Neuter-Return to prevent overpopulation.  They also care for and foster injured/abused cats and support adoption efforts.   Donations help cover food and medical expenses.

HOW TO HELP: You can donate via paypal to helpcats@obituary.cc.  They also accept Petsmart and Wal-Mart gift cards (email Helpcats@obituary.cc for further info).

Municipal Waste's Fund for Breast Cancer

Just found out about this one!  The Syrentha J Savio Endowment, founded by punk photographer Mark Beemer, helps underprivileged women to afford breast cancer screening, treatments and other therapies.  The Waste, teamed up with Shirts for a Cure to create a limited edition shirt.  All proceeds go to the Savio Endowment.

HOW TO HELP: You can purchase the MW shirt for a cure here: http://sfac.merchnow.com/products/153721 for $15 plus shipping.  While you're at it, check out all the Shirts for a Cure- lots of cool art and punk stuff! http://sfac.merchnow.com/ 

Remember, if you donate $1 or $100, to one cause or all of them, you are making positive changes in real people’s (or cat’s!) lives.  So be metal and do something nice for someone else!  You can even get something in return.

(This article was originally posted by me, The PitGoddess on Axis of Metal.  Sorry to double dip, but I do it for the greater good.)