The Old Mill pulsated with some of the best of our island's musicians and warmed with the true spirit of St. Thomas on Wednesday for the second time in two weeks.
A full house enjoyed an extraordinary list of talent who contributed their time and energy to help their fellow musician, Tahra Richardson, who lost all of her belongings in a fire last December.
Performers who donated their time and talent for both Wednesday fund-raising events included Ike Delong, Endangered Species, the Inmates, the Rob Paper Trio, the Sun Kings with Eddie Feldman, Magical Child, Aldo and his Jam Band, Sax Cymbals and Harmony Dem.
The sound system was donated by Mega Mix. The beer profits all went to Richardson. Old Mill gave the space. More than 40 resorts, businesses, restaurants and friends donated items for the auction and raffle. Well-known auctioneer George Blackhall donated his talents to the cause. Complete strangers donated household goods to set up the apartment Richardson moved into last week.
Richardson is using the cash raised at the auction to replace some of her musical equipment and CDs. If you just happen to have a way to get these at a better price, please call Richardson at 775-1253. She also still needs a blender and a toaster.
Any additional household items you want to donate will benefit Richardson and the Victim Advocates program. A storage space has been set up to keep whatever Richardson does not need until they are needed by the next victim of fire, domestic violence, or life disrupting incident.
Donations of household goods can be made by calling Lynn Falkenthall at 775-6103.
In the brief time since Richardson was burned out of her apartment, many people have pulled together to help her get her life back together. It is not only a tribute to Richardson, but also a wonderful tribute to the "island way." The caring, reaching out, compassion and selfless giving in time of need are the glue that binds us.