Thursday, November 10, 2011

Thank You!

Rays of Hope's 3rd Annual Think Pink Week for Breast Cancer was held Monday, October 24th through Monday, October 31st!  It was an AMAZING week filled with Fantastic Performances, Great People , Music, Dancing, RL interruptions, SL games and Raising Funds For Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.

When the final music note was played on Halloween Night we had 23 performers grace the stage of The Sweet Escape for 28 hours and we raised 85,000L ...... $344 u.s. dollars.  We also spread the word of Cancer Awareness to so many more people, lots of stories and memories were shared, Cancer Survivors from All types of cancer came to help out and inspire everyone.

The Sweet Escape for Think Pink Week
The simple phrase, Thank You, is often overlooked and forgotten to be said by many.  To me this phrase never says enough, those of you who know me are aware of the heartfelt emotion, the sentimental and melancholy type person I am and I wish I could give real hugs to everyone that came to Think Pink Week and helped.

Thank You for sharing your talents and performing for us, Thank You for using your voices on mic to share your stories, encouragement, and informing everyone to be checked for Breast Cancer.  You are all Awesome and those of you reading this ......
share with your friends and check them out !
Bill Tigerpaw,  NormReynolds Genesis,  Premium Composer,  Bones Writer,  KarebearLovin,  Lance Windlow,  Melodee McDonnell,  Torben Asp,  Eli Megadon,  Wytchwhisper Sadofsky,  Josie Anderton,  Chapman Zane,  Pmann Sands,
Jana Kyomoon,  Mila Avedon,  Mica Breen, Bo Hoyes,  DJ Doug Xstar,  DJ Walker Cobalt,  DJ USmale BigBear,  DJ MrShyGuy Schmooz  and DJ Gai Thor !!

I would be remiss if I did not also thank the following individuals for all they did to help make this week happen and be successful ....
Tina Hosting Think Pink

Kay's FAB in Pink
  ** Tina,  Sis, thank you for being here  and helping host and spread the word!

 ** Kay, you look FAB in PINK, thank you for Showing Team ROH Spirit !


** Tusie, Thank You for your Save The TaTas & Save Second Base Shirts! I love that top!  
                                                       Y'all be sure to check out Tusie-Cat Designs

Shy Supportin The Boobies
Tusie, Save The TaTas !

** MrShyGuy, Welcome Back!  Thanks for being at all the events & you always give new meaning to the phrase, "Real Men Wear Pink!"


Even Shy's Shoes Were Pink :)

** Broody, what can I say when Thank You can never be enough for all you did.  The Sweet Escape wouldn't have been without your Wonderful Building talents,  Think Pink Week wouldn't have most of the performers without your outgoing personality to ask everyone.  Pink looks good on you too :)  Love You xo

Broody looking good in Pink xo
Dancin in Pink at The Sweet Escape












I've only posted few specific pictures in my blog posts.  All the rest will be on our Facebook Page for Rays of Hope!  We're also making a video that will be up on YouTube.

Sabrina takes a rest with the Pink pumpkins

Mom shakin her pixels to the music







At a loss for what else to say to wrap things up, I find myself thinking of George M. Cohan and what he used to say at the end of his performances ....... "my mother thanks you, my father thanks you, my sister thanks you, and I thank you."

To Everyone, Each And Every One That Came Out To Show Support For "Think Pink Week,"  To Celebrate & Remember With Us, That Donated Any Amount, Who Spread The Word For Cancer Awareness, That Helped The American Cancer Society's Making Strides Against Breast Cancer ......
I Thank You personally , and I Thank You on behalf of Team Rays of Hope!

Friday, November 4, 2011

Halloween for Think Pink Week 2011

So we come to the Finale for Think Pink Week 2011 A Very Special Halloween Night!  With The Sweet Escape setup for Breast Cancer Awareness and Halloween ...... we turned the stage around and danced facing the special Haunted House ROH Master Builder, Broody Flow made.  A special night indeed as we had 3 DJ's spin for 6 hours combined to Celebrate & Mystify and Ensure that those Gathered Remembered to Donate & Spread The Message To Fight Back Against Cancer!


Spinnin the tunes for our first set 3-5pm was your friendly neighborhood non-runaround DJ Suzie (me).  With a lot of Halloween tunes in the mix from "Monster Mash," "Grim Grinnin Ghosts," "Devil Woman" and more.  I also tossed in some fun wacky favorites including "They're Coming To Take Me Away."  A special dedication to my partner in crime ..... Broody or Clyde to my Bonnie that night of "Bare Necessities!"  Keeping the theme of Wicked In Pink it was Great To See All ages come out to show support for Breast Cancer, including little Wisteria and The Pink Costumes like Lorra as "I dream of jeannie," Broody in his Pink Shirt and Shy still Supporting Boobs all in Pink :)   Finishing up with a special request and dedication from Hybiscus a song by Martina McBride, "I'm Gonna Love You Through It."  Thank You all for being Wicked In Pink !!
Lorra dancing in her pink I dream of jeannie costume
Wisteria dances to the Monster Mash

Next came a Very Special Event!  MrShyGuy Schmooz returns to SL and DJ's for "A Spooky Sock Hop!"
Shy's been here all week, showing support and chatting people up and encouraging the donations big and small as "every linden counts!"  He was part of the force behind the 1st Think Pink Week and after a long absence I found it Absolutely Fantastic he choose to return to SL for the 3rd Think Pink Week.  Shy's no stranger to the battle against cancer, he helped take care of his mom who sadly lost her battle with bladder cancer in April.  Wanting to get back into SL to play music again and help in the Fight Against Cancer, Shy's become the Team Greeter for Rays Of Hope so keep an eye out for him to knock on your IM !   5-7pm on Halloween Rocked on with Oldies and some really Fun Tunes!  Staying True To A Style All His Own, Shy played a great set of tunes from The Everly Brothers, Annette Funicello and Yes ...... Alvin & The Chipmunks!  Nothin like hearing the Chipettes sing "Leader of the Pack" and "Put A Ring On It!"
Welcome Back Shy & Thank You For A "Spooky Pink Sock Hop" To Remember!

Kay looks totally Ghostly
Bonnie & Clyde dance the night away


Our Last event for Think Pink Week 2011 was my "Big Brudder" DJ Gai Thor 7-9pm.  Yes, the same fella that went bald with me in July to Honor All The Cancer Patients That Have No Choice, and yes, he even let us "hot wax" all the hair from his AV.  I wonder if he caught the meaning giving him a "HOWL - o - ween" event , because I'd love to see him let us get his Wolf AV hairless for Relay 2012!  Gai pulled out all the stops with the tunes and played some Fantastic music!  With a little bit of, "Damn It Janet," "Sweet Transvestite" and "The Time Warp" he had us dancing to one of the best Halloween Cult Classics ....... The Rocky Horror Picture Show!  Bringing in several of his friends to introduce to Rays of Hope and that Real Men & Women Wear Pink, he gave a final push to get the kiosks higher and higher and reminded everyone to please get checked for Breast Cancer, Both Women AND Men!  Thank You Gai !

The Sweet Escape during Think Pink Halloween

As the clock struck Midnight on the East Coast and 9pm in SL ........ The 3rd Annual Think Pink Week For Breast Cancer Was A Wrap!  The special events on Halloween were a ton of fun and filled with emotional stories, memories, laughter, donations and Of Course ~~ PINK !  Thank You DJ Shy & DJ Gai for spinning the tunes!!

Pictures and a Wrapup Recap Blog coming soon !  In The Meantime ...... 
The Fight Against Cancer Never Ends Soooooo Keep Thinkin Pink , Yellow , Purple , Orange , Teal , Gold , White and all the other Colors of the Ribbons !  xoxo



Thinkin Pinkin Sunday, Oct. 30th

We've finally have arrived at the last 2 days of Think Pink Week For Breast Cancer Awareness 2011.  Sunday marks the final day for live singers and musicians as Halloween has a special setup in store for everyone.  Sunday was a wild day with lots of last minute changes as RL never rests and neither does SL lagggggg.  Through it all Sunday finished with the donations and spirits high and smiles on the faces of everyone that was present.

Jana Kyomoon started us off at 11am with a special show.  In case you've not heard her, Jana performs live music shows mixing electronica ambient rhythmic reflective music with touches of jazz, solo piano and trip hop.  She is an Amazing performer and played music from her CD Ambient.  Giving us a wonderful and relaxing way to start off the day, smooth sound of the keyboard and music that tintilated the soul.  Her voice soft and meaningful in the breaks of the music talking to the lucky people present why we were Thinking Pink and to be sure to get checked.  Thank You Jana !!

Jana playing tunes from Ambient.  www.janakyomoon.blogspot.com

Up next on stage at 12pm was, well it was me, Suzetta Moonites, singing for everyone.  Couldn't resist how Broody had redecorated the back of our club area to reflect some Halloween fun, I got on my Pink Witch Outfit (from Falln Angel, Hecate Dress).  Singing to keep everyone dancing we took a trip back in time with songs like, "I Want Candy," "Lollipop" and mixed in the Halloween Style Tunes, "Bad Moon Rising" and "Monster Mash."  With my mom in world for the day and dad watching over her shoulder I played a song that touches on memories, "Fight Like A Girl." Couldn't resist singing a personal favorite song about Dooley, "Pink Shoe Laces." Finishing with one that speaks to everyone, that if you've not done everything you can and or you want to do more there's, "Always Tomorrow!"

SweetReds Suzie sings for Breast Cancer
You know of course if you've been reading this blog, that Cancer research and programs mean a lot to me.  As a 31year survivor of childhood cancer and all the long term side effects it has carried, my family and I do our very best everyday to spread the message and help those affected and fundraise to Eradicate ALL Cancers!


Mila Avedon took the stage next at 1pm and kept the music flowing and everyone dancing!  She sang some great Oldies tunes, "Baby Love," "Sugar Shack" to name just a few.  Mixing in some country with tunes from Loretta Lyne and also infusing some Pre-Halloween with "My Night To Howl."  Mila also rose up to a challenge from the audience to wear some Huge Feet for Breast Cancer and a Wonderful Donation!  Her last song of her show was a very special one, a Duet with her Brother Lonewolf, who is battling cancer himself, a really wonderful song .... "She Talks Dirty In Spainish!"  Thoughts and prayers are with you Lonewolf!  Thank You Mila
Mila singing at Think Pink Week 2011
Mila's meets a challenge for BIG FEET ! 








Wearing his "Real Men Wear Pink" shirt, Mica Breen took over the airways next at 2pm.  Through his show he encouraged everyone to donate what they can and to keep tp'ing everyone into Think Pink Sunday.  Mica sang through a bit of computer problems and sore throat not wanting to let us down, and darlin ya sure didn't!  He sang a few original tunes including, "Cling" a truly Beautiful Song and some Rascal Flatts a little "Lady Lay Down" and finished his set off with "Country Boy."  Amazing voice and meaningful songs and reminding everyone that Real Men DO Wear Pink!!  Thank You Mica
Mica Breen singing for everyone on Think Pink Sunday 

At 3pm our final live singer took the stage for Think Pink Week 2011, Bo Hoyes!  Sporting a Pink Breast Cancer Ribbon on his shirt, Bo started entertaining the crowd immediately.  Getting everyone to dance with him on his hud while he sang some great country tunes with a mix of Elvis and "The Killer," Jerry Lee Lewis's "Whole Lotta Shakin" and "Great Balls of Fire."  Bo also sang 2 fun songs for us by Ray Stevens, "Haircut" and one of my favorites, "The Mississippi Squirrel Revival!"  Sunday night finished off with a rocking and rolling bang and everyone talking and Thinkin Pink!  Thank You Bo
Wearing his pink ribbon, Bo sings & dances with the crowd

Sunday was filled with Great Music, lots of variety and challenges, which of course is Life be it RL or SL! We were Rockin and Rollin,  Listening to Ambient Sound, Going Back In Time, Learning To Fight Like A Girl, Getting CountryFied and Remembering That There's Always Tomorrow.  Please Be Sure To Catch Jana Kyomoon, Mila Avedon, Mica Breen & Bo Hoyes At Their Shows!

Thursday, November 3, 2011

Saturday At Think Pink Week, Oct. 29th

The weekend for has finally arrived and to try and open up to as many people in second life to come show their support for Breast Cancer we had the performances start earlier in the day.  Though where I live in RL the snow was falling and so were trees and power lines for many :(   In SL the music was upbeat and moving people to dance and donate to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer.


Starting off our day was DJ USmale BigBear at 11am.  I'm sorry I neglected to get a picture of him as he mixed the tunes for us.  A great mix of country songs filled the airs at the Sweet Escape and those present kept the donations flowing.  Having watched many of his family and friends battle against Cancer, USmale goes out of his way to help the Fight Against Cancer.  He played his moving recording of "Why He Relays," that was a part of the Relay for Life in SL.  I've not heard this particular song before, but I will not forget it either and I Thank USmale for playing it today and encourage everyone to listen to it.  Rascal Flatts, "I Won't Let Go" part of the lyrics are ..... 'I will fight your fight, I will hold you tight, and I won't let you go, no I won't let go.'   Thank You USmale BigBear !


With Halloween so close a lot of those present today were dressed in costume :)  including our 12pm performer, Josie Anderton!  Josie has assisted Rays of Hope before, performing at MusicFest for the Relay For Life this year.  Singing a Wonderful set of upbeat dancing tunes in her Zombie costume Josie sparkled on stage.  Even a sore throat and cold didn't stop her from singing and Dedicating For Everyone Touched By Cancer the song, "Somewhere Over The Rainbow."  She finished off her set with a song to get everyone movin and groovin (a personal favorite too), "Twist And Shout!"  Thank You Josie :)

Josie ready for Halloween & Singing from the Heart

On stage for everyone next was Chapman Zane at 12pm.  Chap played for us on his guitar with his smooth vocals giving us what he calls "a mellow concocation of acoustic music." Singing some Gordon Lightfoot and a Wonderful version of "Would You Like to Swing On A Star," he had everyone smiling and singing along.  I've not heard the following song before and thanks for introducing it to me, "Let's Talk Dirty In Hawaiian," by John Prine...... still giggling   Chapman has helped the Rays of Hope at previous events, sharing his music to help at our other Think Pink Weeks and Relay For Life in SL.   Thank You Again For Your Support Chapman!

Chapman sings "Would You Like To Swing On A Star"

Also all set for Halloween :) was our last performer for Saturday, Pmann Sands!  Playing both acoustic and electric guitars he had us rocking Think Pink Week.  Singing a lot of original songs with his own backing tracks from his 'studio band'.  Pmann was playing with other great musicians like , Doug Coleman, Adam Jake and Jamie Bowers it was Amazing!!  Like so many others, he's been touched by cancer, including someone close to him with Breast Cancer.  Urging everyone to give what they can and to spread the word because, "We Need To Stop Cancer," and that we can do so many other things such as flying jets at incredible speeds that we need to focus on a cure!  A Wonderful way to finish our Think Pink Week Saturday with Pmann Sands music and emotion!  Thank You Pmann !!

Pmann all set for Halloween & spreading the message to Find A Cure!

Saturday was a day of emotion, stories of how cancer has touched the lives of those in the audience and the musicians.  Saturday was also a day of Wonderful Music!  Once again, please be sure to catch DJ USmale BigBear, Josie Anderton, Chapman Zane and Pmann Sands at their shows!  Thank You All Very Much!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Friday, Oct. 28th Think Pink Week Recap

Think Pink Week For Breast Cancer hosted by the Rays of Hope by the time it ends will have featured over 20 performers.  Trying to ensure that we had something for everyone Broody & I talked to performers that were different in style, in song, in musical instrument, and more.  Friday night, I think was the day that these style differences was most evident and FANTASTIC !!


Torben on his midi keyboard.  www.torbenasp.com
Torben Asp started our Friday night & what a way to end the work week.  His music is amazing, relaxing and just sets your mind at ease.  Torben is an electronic ambient music wizard who performs Live from Denmark.  He blends sampled sounds, keyboard wizardry & particle art in a unique SL musical art form where every work has a story and a mood.  Torben is All Instrumental & All Original.  His particle show was Fantastic!  I love the song Vivaldi" that he plays and also "Luminaria" which was written for Relay For Life as part of his contribution in the Fight Against All Cancers!   Thank You Torben

Particle display during Torben's performance at Think Pink Week.

Eli Megadon sang for us next at 4pm!  All dressed in Pink shirt & shades he also had the tag above his name read, "Save A Boob."  With a smooth voice he took us on a journey from "Achy Breaky Heart" around "Take It Easy" past Elvis's "Burnin Love" across to "Secret Agent Man" with a stop at "Margaritaville" and more!  The crowd gathered were rocking and dancing around and having fun with Eli's Fantastic Voice and Energy!
Thank You Eli !!

Eli singing for us & showing his Pink Style

With a beautiful, jazzy voice urging everyone to "Show Boobie Love To The Kiosks," Wytchwhisper took the airways to close out Friday Night!  Singing a Fantastic set of songs Wytchwhisper giggled and pushed all present to keep Donating for Research.  From "Great Balls Of Fire" through "Crazy" and one of my favorites, "Can't Help Lovin Dat Man Of Mine," everyone was dancing, chatting about Breasts and Breast Cancer and How It Affects Men as well as Women So Everyone Needs To Be Aware! Thank You Wytchwhisper !

Wytchwhisper sings to "Save The Boobies"  http://wytchwhisper.blogspot.com

A Fantastic Night Of Different Music, lots of relaxation and energy with a bit of giggles mixed in!  The kiosks were pushed Higher And Higher thanks to the encouragement from the performers.  Please be sure to check out their websites and get to a show for Eli Megadon, Wytchwhisper and Torben Asp!!