BITCHASS BENEFIT: A Document of Thanks

Wow..after Friday night's event, I know in my heart of hearts that THIS COMMUNITY is alive and well. You could feel the love in the room, sprinkled with misty-eyed moments and warm smiles all around. It was a special night that will resonate far into the future.

Vanessa could feel your love too, watching from her family's home in Dallas TX, live via the information age. I spoke with Vanessa last night, overwhelmed by your support, I let her know point blank that the love she is receiving was already put out into the world by her a long time ago. It's true.

Right now Vanessa is dealing with the ins and outs of the health care system as she prepares for her surgery on the 22nd of February at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston TX. Please know that your contributions are what has given Vanessa a fighting chance, taking care of her needs and of her five-year old son Logan for the near future as she goes through this ordeal.

Keep the success of Vanessa's surgery in your hearts and thoughts and let's hope that chemotherapy will no longer be necessary. In fact, let's imagine that Vanessa's colon cancer goes away right now. All together now... 1..2..3..

Thank you.

In a moment, I'll introduce Linda Kim who had a monumental impact at pulling this event together and would like to thank you by name. With an event of this magnitude, our greatest fear is that we may have forgotten someone along the way. Therefore, we have decided that this BITCHASS BENEFIT: A Document of Thanks will be a living document, in celebration of everyone who helped make the Bitchass Benefit a resounding success, that can be updated as long as this blog needs to exist.

So now I want to take this moment to say to each and every one of you..THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU...FOREVER.

Thank you to all of the people who stepped up to produce the Vanessa's Bitchass Benefit. It was an inspiring victory and you are all champions.

Thank you to all of the volunteers, working behind the scenes, being the ninjas that you are, making it all happen.

Thank you to all of the performers who answered the call, and rose to the cause. May your songs continue to be sung far and wide.

Thank you to all of the sponsors, merchants, and artists, for generously donating Prizes to be won at the Bitchass Raffle. You made everyone a winner.

Thank you to the Oakland Metro Operahouse for generously opening up your doors, giving us the space to make the Bitchass Benefit happen. There was a lot of love there.

Thank you to everyone who helped spread the word. May your voices and causes always be heard.

Thank you to all of you fighters out there, lending your fighting spirit with blessings and words of encouragement. You inspire Vanessa to stand up, to stand strong.

Thank you to all the healers, from all studies of medicine, helping Vanessa to get well. May you continue to inspire the world recognize to recognize the healing power that they already possess.

Thank you all for contributing to Vanessa's fund. Your generosity is allowing her the peace of mind that her immediate needs and that of her son are taken care of while she goes through her ordeal. Your direct donations are what made her second opinion happen. Feel good about yourselves because you are changing the tide.

Thank you to Vanessa's circle of friends and family, near and far, surrounding Vanessa with love and support, who wouldn't let her give up on her second opinion. Your love is powerful beyond belief.

My love and gratitude goes out to all of you.

sincerely,
Dominic "D.A. of Black Rock" Tinio

And now a special thank you from Linda Kim:

"Hello Vanessa Lovers

The Bitchass Benefit was a huge success!

Thank you to all the performers: Yard Dogs, Beats Antique, Extra Action, Turks (thank you Ryan for passing the hat!), Sugar Butt Tiger, Cowboy Girlz, and of course, DJ Junkdrawer. A very special thank you to Flash — You are always an inspiration to us all.

All of you responded, without hesitation, with a resounding "Yes!" We were able to set a date and the line-up in less than one week. Thank you for your ready willingness to make this ultimate dream show happen.

Thank you to all who helped organize & worked the benefit & raffle table: Violet, D.A., Serena, Danny, Sister Mabel, Juliana, Che, Eric, Courtney for the bitchin' flyers, Leroy for many hours at the door and special thank you to Chris for working the door all night long!

Thank you Katy Bell for making the raffle a success, and for your ceaseless energy.

A big thank you to Simon Cheffins for making it all work on stage - the crazy schedule worked crazy good! And thank you Sal & Greg for the sound.

Thank you to all who donated exquisite, beautiful, & valuable raffle prizes. WOW. That's all I can think to say on this. WOW.

Thank you Jon Schainker for the webcast & recording. Vanessa told me that she felt like she was being carried by the crowd all night as she watched. She was definitely with us at the benefit.

Thank you Mia & Tom for providing a bitchin' space, for all your help, for setting up the lovely bonus chill room, and for the refreshments. (Happy birthday, Mia!)

Thank you to all of you who came to the benefit and carried Vanessa with your positive energy all night. We could not have done this without you.

And thank you to all who could not make it to the benefit but love and support Vanessa in many ways.

A huge thank you to Dominic "D.A." for this blog!
Please continue to check in here for updates on Vanessa's healing.

All of you have made a huge difference in the life of a very special person.
Let's keep on doing it!
Please keep Vanessa in your thoughts, especially on Feb 22.

Vanessa, Amber D, Linda S, and I thank you all with all our hearts & eternal gratitude.

All my love,
Linda K

PS If anyone has any footage/photographs of the benefit, Vanessa would love to have it. Please contact Dominic at dominic.da@gmail.com."