Highly Educated DJ
This past Saturday, at Keepsake Brewery in Gastonia, NC, I hosted a fundraiser titled “House Music for ALS".
It was incredible!
It was a coalescence of a truly multi-disciplinary group and everyone let their talents shine.My dear friend Allie Murphy made the flyers and spread the word around Gastonia. Bobby and Kat, the gracious owners of Keepsake provided a beautiful space. My sister, Summer, helped coordinate with ALS Therapy Development Institute to streamline fundraising channels. Tom Kissinger with Professional Stage Productions came through and set up an amazing sound system and ran sound throughout the event. We had volunteers cooking hot dogs. I DJed for the first time ever. Even the weather was beautiful.
Not only did we raise a ton of money but for the first time in a long time I felt inspired and I felt alive. Having a task, a goal, a vision, something to work for, I think it shook something loose. When you get a diagnosis like ALS, it can make you feel like your life is already over. I don't want to speak for everyone going through this but the thought has certainly crossed my mind; “your best days are already behind you”. Everything you thought your life might be, goes out the window.
For a long time in my life, as many people do, my self worth was constructed around my achievements. What have I accomplished and what does that say about me as a person? What can I do for work and how does that reflect on me? How much money can I make and how much do I need to project the image that I want?
Now however the question I'm left answering is: when you cut through all that noise, what are you left with?
I'll get off my philosophical soapbox presently, though I'm starting to believe we don't have to do anything to deserve the love that comes our way.
I'll end with a giant thank you to all those involved, all of those in attendance, and all of those who are following along. If you were not able to make this one, I am planning another “House Music for ALS” at the end of March in Black Mountain, NC.
