-- forwarded message, please reply to sender and MMD --

 [ MMDer and instrument conservator Robert Ridgeway of Chicago needs
 [ an operation.  His friends are producing an organ concert to
 [ raise the money, to be held at the residence of Paul and Linda
 [ Van Der Molen in Wheaton, Illinois.  More information about the
 [ concert will be posted at the web site of Dairyland Theatre Organ
 [ Society (DTOS) at http://theatreorgans.com/DTOS/ 
 [ -- Robbie

Dear Friends of Robert Ridgeway,  Every once in a while, we are asked
to do something for a friend whom we know needs our help, and it makes
us feel proud to be part of the solution!

Many of you who are getting this message have known Robert for many
years, and are aware of how selfless and generous he can be when it
comes to providing his knowledge, expertise and friendship -- not to
mention access to the fabulous estate for which he is Curator.

Robert, as many of you know, is on the verge of being confined to a
wheelchair, unless he can get total knee replacements, which he cannot
afford.  This is where all of us come in.

On Friday, November 18 and Saturday, November 19, 2005, at 7 p.m. there
will be concerts at the residence of Paul and Linda Van Der Molen to
benefit and help him achieve his needs.

Playing for you, and Robert, will be: Jelani Eddington, Walter Strony,
Chris Gorsuch, Dave Wickerham, Chris Elliott and Mark Herman.  Special
appearance by legendary teacher John Ferguson, performing with Jelani
Eddington and Mark Herman!

Tickets for the concert will be priced at $100.  We boldly request that
you consider a higher amount.  While the cost of this surgery can exceed
$80,000, domestically, Robert is actively investigating having this
procedure done overseas, which will substantially reduce the cost.  But
your donations are vital to achieve even this goal.  He cannot do this
alone.  If you cannot attend, any and all contributions will be welcome.

During the evening, there will be a silent and live auction of some
interesting items, which have been donated by Theatre Organ fans, for
additional fund raising.  There will also be a commemorative double CD
issued for sale soon after the concert date.  A hosted reception will
be included with the concert.

All proceeds from the tickets and the CD's will be used to pay for
Robert's medical expenses.  We hope you will be there!  Tickets are
available by sending $100 for each ticket to:

  Friends of Robert Ridgeway
  C/O Steve LaManna
  615 Greenbrier Drive
  Silver Spring, MD  20910
  tel.: 202-437-6351 or email <showstager@hotmail.com>

Make out your check or money order to  "Friends of Robert Ridgeway".
Tickets will be mailed to you, unless you wish them held for pickup the
night of the show.

Thank you for your help!  Business attire is requested for the evening.

Steve LaManna
Silver Spring, Maryland