Drumming friends of New Orleans... Need our help !!!

[Shawn40]

Hi Guys,

I know that theere is already two topics open about this tragedy, but I let a message that I reveived by Joe Testa (Yamaha), it's very important and I hope that you will can do something...

Sorry again for this new topic, but I think that it's very important.

** High Priority **

To All,

I hope you are well.

As you know, all of our brethren in New Orleans are severely hurting,
but more specifically those directly related to us.... and in the
forefront of our minds are:

-Adonis Rose (artist who plays with Niccolo Payton and Harry Conick
Jr.)
-Ray Fransen (owner of Ray Fransen's Drum Shop - RFDC)
-Frank D'Archangelo (staff member at RFDC)
-Woody (staff member at RFDC)

They have all lost everything - their homes, their belongings and in
the case of RFDC - the complete store.

Yamaha Corp of America is sending money to the overall Red Cross fund,
but we as a Drum Dept. wanted to do something extra for our drumming
friends in so much need.

I do not mean to impose upon you, but we thought that - as a drum
community and as members of the Yamaha family - you may want to help in
some way. By now many of you may have already given to some fund, but if
you are moved in anyway to help these specific guys out ... that would
be excellent and I can guarantee it would be greatly appreciated by all
of them.

If you're into this, monies can be sent here to
Yamaha Drums
Attn: Prudence/Hurricane Relief
6600 Orangethorpe Ave.
Buena Park, CA
90620

She will collect the funds and then distribute to those mentioned
above.

Thanks .... and please keep all of the people in effected areas in your
prayers and thoughts.
Much love,
Joe

[CLWarunki]

Wow, very nice of Yamaha to be so considerate and generous. And for Rodge to post it. Wish I could help!

[Shawn40]

Hi Guys,

You must know that the Marsalis family is from New Orleans, this is some from the Branford's website :
http://www.branfordmarsalis.com/branford/intro.cfm

NEWS:

Hurricane Katrina - Branford's Official Statement
Folks have been asking about my family in New Orleans in light of the onslaught of Hurricane Katrina. I wanted to thank you all for your concern and let you know that my family evacuated before the storm hit and they are safe and doing fine.

I am grateful for this, but despair as I watch my city being submerged. It?s hard to see this happening to my home and the people of New Orleans. My thoughts are with our friends and neighbors in this difficult time and I ask you to support them in any way you can as I surely will.