November 14, 2021
Hi folks — I have a good news/bad news update about the Lion In Winter Online Auction. But before I get into the good, the bad, and the ugly, let me remind you... all proceeds from this auction will benefit my Kidney Transplant Fund.
► To bid, follow this link to eBay: http://ebay.com/usr/tliw-auction ◀︎
The bad news is already behind us now. It was that several unexpected setbacks led to an awkward and delayed launch of the whole auction. We didn't get it fully off the ground until November 7th, almost a week after the original planned launch date. And as of midnight tonight, the first round of bidding has officially ended.
But now, the good news: we've launched a 2nd round! It began automatically just as the 1st round came to a close — a few short minutes ago at 12 AM (ET) today, November 14th!
This time around, almost all of the original items are still available for bidding. And even better, each item will continue to auto re-list for consecutive 7-day bidding periods going forward, keeping them all live and available for bidding for several weeks, or until sold.
This includes four (4) limited edition 18x24" promotional posters for the play, three (3) of the principal costumes hand crafted by Tilly D Wolf, and six (6) 8x10" portraits of the characters, each digitally illustrated by Bizzy Barefoot and autographed by the actor who played the corresponding role.
And now, the best news of all — I have reduced the starting bids on all items by as much as 25%. So, costumes that were $75 are now $50. Posters are down to $35 from $50. And each autographed 8x10" portrait starts at just $15.
► Ready to start bidding?
► Click this link: http://ebay.com/usr/tliw-auction
All of these items make for ideal gifts, especially for friends, family members, supporters, and fans of the show's cast members. Combine items, as well, to make a gift bundle of a particular actor's costume and portrait together, for example.
One final reminder too: remember that every bid will ultimately benefit my kidney transplant fundraising effort. When you buy any of these items as a gift for a loved one, or for yourself, it pays itself forward as a gift to me too.
October 24, 2021
We are one week away from two exciting events that are also part of my fundraising campaign: a live benefit performance of the play "The Lion In Winter" by James Goldman, and an online auction of items from the performance.
For those who live in the New York City metro area, we wholeheartedly invite you to join us in person at the benefit performance of James Goldman's original 1966 Broadway play, The Lion In Winter. The play was also adapted for the silver screen two years later, into an Oscar Award winning film starring Katharine Hepburn and Peter O'Toole.
Details for our event on Saturday October 30th are available at https://events.helphopelive.org/event/5508/signup or by clicking the link at left under "Fundraisers."
Then immediately following the show, at the crack of midnight on Halloween, many of the original props, costumes and other items from the performance will be available for bidding in an Online Auction at eBay.com. Anyone from anywhere in the world will be able to view the items up for auction and make competitive bids to purchase them.
Items in the auction include the original hand-crafted costumes worn by each character in the play, all seven of the tapestries and royal insignia from the set, illustrations of each cast member, and several 18 x 24" full color posters in promotion of the Saturday evening performance.
Participation in these two unique events allows people both near and far new opportunities to offer their support. However, unlike the direct donations you make through this website, contributions you make through these two events are not tax-deductible because you receive something (a.k.a. "goods & services") in return.
The auction will go live on http://ebay.com/usr/tliw-auction beginning at 12 AM October 31st and continues for seven days until 11:59 PM November 6th. More detailed information about the auction can be found at https://events.helphopelive.org/event/5525/signup, or also on this page at left under "Fundraisers."
Please join in the fun by participating in these one-of-a-kind events. Happy viewing and bidding!
October 14, 2021
Thanks everyone! You helped me reach a big benchmark today — over $10,000 in ten days. The symmetry in that alone is a beautiful thing.
But even more beautiful is the sense of security I get from knowing I have such a committed, compassionate, and generous community of family, friends and lovers supporting me through this formidable challenge.
You've proven yet again "an army of lovers shall not fail," as the great civil rights icon Rita Mae Brown would say.
While the $10K benchmark is worth noting, it's not an end goal. The fundraiser continues and anyone can still contribute if they're so inclined. Help Hope Live will continue to accept donations on my behalf, which I'll be able to use for any of my future medical needs, even after the kidney transplant.
Nothing I receive going forward will go to waste. So please give generously, within your means, of course.
October 13, 2021
After six long years, I'm at the the top of my local hospital's kidney transplant list. Just yesterday, my doctors told me to expect a call at any moment letting me know it's go time!
This timing couldn't be better because, at the time I am writing this, I am just $700 away from my first fundraising goal toward covering the out-of-pocket costs of the procedure. With your help, I could MEET THIS GOAL TODAY! Please help me get there by making a donation right now.
► TO DONATE click the GIVE button under my photo.
► All donations are fully tax-deductible.
Whether $10 or $100, every little bit will go a long way.
By contributing, you'll help me cover the very steep out-of-pocket costs of the procedure, including insurance co-pays and deductibles, outpatient recovery/rehab, in-home aftercare, medical supplies, and medications.
All donations given through Help Hope Live are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, they can receive funds on my behalf from family foundations, trusts, donor-advised funds, stock sales, and employer-matching gifts as well.
In that this is the final stretch toward this benchmark, please give as generously as you can within your means.
With so much love and gratitude,
Frank
October 5, 2021
About Help Hope Live
Thanks to Help Hope Live, all contributions are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. They will make certain your donation will be used to pay for or reimburse Frank’s actual medical expenses.
Frank has chosen Help Hope Live, because they are a 501(c)3 nonprofit that assures fiscal accountability and tax deductibility for contributors. Your contribution to the Help Hope Live Northeast Transplant Fund will be used to cover Frank’s insurance co-pays and deductibles, his recovery and in-home care, some medical supplies and medications, as well as all the costs of finding and paying for a living donor’s time, travel, and after-care.
As a charitable nonprofit, Help Hope Live can also receive funds on his behalf from family foundations, trusts, donor-advised funds, stock sales, and employer-matching gifts, as well. Frank will gladly connect you to a Client Services Coordinator at Help Hope Live who can help make such arrangements. You’re also welcome to contact Help Hope Live yourself at 1-800-642-8399.
Thank you for your support!
October 5, 2021
Contact Info — Frank can be reached in all the following ways:
Twitter: @fmspvd
Facebook: fmspvd
Instagram: fmspvd
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 401-484-SUSA
October 2, 2021
Frank's Story
In late 2015, Frank experienced total kidney failure resulting from aggressive chemotherapy in the midst of his 2nd battle with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. To keep him alive, Frank began a schedule of grueling dialysis treatments 3x each week. Finally, after six long years of such treatments, his doctors say he’s cancer-free and healthy enough at last to qualify for a kidney transplant.
Frank has not only survived two rounds of cancer, but also childhood arthritis, several joint replacement surgeries, as well as a lifetime of chronic pain, disability & discrimination — all while exemplifying optimism, courage, independence, self-determination, generosity, a commitment to community service, and a profound love of life. If anyone deserves another chance at a healthy, productive future, it’s Frank.
But, kidney transplants come with hefty out-of-pocket expenses, such as copays, deductibles, in-hospital recovery, home health care, medical supplies and medications, as well as all the costs of finding and paying for a living donor’s time, travel, and after-care. On his fixed income, there’s no way Frank can afford all of this on his own.
Any dollar amount you can chip in — whether $25 or $2,500 — will help relieve Frank from carrying the burden of these expenses alone, which we expect to total at least $10,000 or more!
To give, simply click the DONATE button above.
All donations are tax deductible to the full extent allowed by law. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, Help Hope Live can also receive funds on his behalf from family foundations, trusts, donor-advised funds, stock sales, and employer-matching gifts as well.
