REVISED! Mike Fredericks Bass Fund - Thanks to All!

[BigMikeW]

****Update August 9th, 2006****

On the MusiciansFund side of things. I am working on the website currently. I have the bank account ready to go. And I will be setting up the new PayPal account soon.

One small bump. We are short funds for filing with both State and Federal for our 510(c)(3) Tax-Emempt Non-Profit Charity status. Our staff attorney could file it as of tomorrow and we'd have it completed in about two weeks but we are short on the filing funds.

So, any chance we can all chip in over the next 5 days and raise some funds to finish paying for the filing fees?

If you can help go to PayPal www.paypal.com (just like before) and use [email protected] as the PayPal Payee email address.

Thanks guys. This is so close to being up and running.

P.S. Bassic83 (Eric) donated us a new computer for the charity. Thanks Eric!!!

We still need other things like a mouse/keyboard, printer, fax machine and a flat panel monitor. If anyone has some of this stuff jsut laying around we'd put it to good use!


*****Update*****

Mike hasn't said it but I am going to here and now.

The past week he has been regressing and getting worse again. Doctors do not know what it is BUT the symptoms are coming back.

Raising money is one thing, building a bass for him is another...

BUT he needs more prayers right now.

PLEASE say an extra one everyday for him; even if you are already including him in your daily prayers.

*****End*****


Wow. Where to start? This was a secret and couldn't be posted on a thread. Contributors were not selected per se but I contacted everyone I thought Mike knew. More later.

I have never met Mike Fredericks. Though that will be rectified as soon as possible.

However, he and I have spent hours on the phone and it feels like talking to an old friend.

We have much in common, both named Mike, both play bass (though he FAR better than I), both Detroit Red Wings fans, both married almost 10 years, both within 6 months of the same age (36 and 37 - I am younger), both have a daughter that is 8 and going through the same Brownie/Girl Scout stuff, etc... Just very weird. LOL

I can't speak for Mike, but I felt a connection to Mike when we first met. Similar sense of humor, again like we'd been friends for years.

So after this medical thing Mike started selling off his gear. At first it didn't look bad but then he sold the Matt Garrison Fodera he owned.

Now skip back three days earlier...

I was at church hearing testimonies from people that had taking $100 and gone out and raised thousands for people who needed it. Such moving stories. I told my wife on the way home that I wanted to help Mike (she knew what had been going on).

So, the Garrison went up for sale and sold. That day I put together a PM and sent it to everyone I knew that Mike knew or talked to on a consistant basis.

This had to be kept a secret and couldn't have been posted for obvious reasons. There was not an effort to keep anyone out at all.

My wife was the one who said "you know he won't take the money right?" I looked at her and said sure he will, why wouldn't he. She replied "would you take it?" and I said "no, I'd be floored but it would be hard to take it". She said "Mike will be the same way. You are both proud men".

After talking to Tom Bowlus and Ken Jung my wife's thoughts were confirmed. Tom said it best when he said that Mike was a modest and prud individual.

That night I told my wife that I was going to have a bass built or buy one for him. No way could he turn down a bass.

First, I tried to buy back Mike's 5 string Sadowsky Metro that he loved but missed it by a couple days. After that I talked to Nino and began probing Mike in subtle ways. Not a Brokeback Mountain way.. groos bastardz! LOL

I found out what he loved and asked him about the design we settled on and he was like "man, now that would be an awesome bass!" DONE!

I did this because God instructed me to and because a friend needed the help. All praise goes to God (though I appreciate allt he warm/kind emails, PM's and post towards me). So much for continuing my A$$hole image. LOL

The fund is still open. Link Removed

Also, there are two other TB'ers that need our help. I won't say who but I would like to raise money for them as well.

Mike and I talked after I told him about his fund and we are going to be continuing this on TB. We are going to have ask Tom Bowlus to assist us in setting up a real fund where everyone here can contribute $5 or $20 or whatever a month. Then when someone on here TRULY needs help Mike, Tom and I will get together and get that person what they need.

If you want more information or have ideas about this please email me.

Finally, this was not my work. This was God acting through myself and others. It is in HIS name that I give praise and bow down humbly. A friend needed help and HE showed me a path.

For those who were initially involved. THANK YOU! I am proud to know you all.

Special Thanks. Once again special thanks to Tommy Rosamond (USACG), Carey and Stew (Nordstrand Pickups and Guitars), Pat Wilkins (Wilkins Guitars and Guitar Finishes), Roger Sadowsky (Sadowsky Guitars) and last BUT NOT LEAST (in any way) Nino Valenti (Valenti Basses). You all made the making of this bass possible. I am in awe of your generosity and of your craftsmanship. This bass will be second to none and the perfect bass for Mike.

For those just now hearing about this. Thank you as well. I woke up this morning to find my email box full of notifications from PayPal!!! Amazing.

I am honored and humbled to know each of you and amazed by your thoughtfulness and caring towards Mike. Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!

PS....... my PM box was full so try again folks....

 

[dragonbass]

This Thread should be closed and become a sticky(?)

This should stay at the top for all to see.

Good work BigMikeW.

Rob

 

[BigMikeW]

This Thread should be closed and become a sticky(?)

This should stay at the top for all to see.

Good work BigMikeW.

Rob

Thanks Rob.

 

[i like tictacs]

It's truly awesome that a community can get together and do this.

 

[Nick Ioannucci]

its great to see people come together to help others in need.

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

Done!

 

[MikeBass]

The fund is still open. Link Removed

As it relates to me.
No it isn't open. This is finished. And don't argue with me!!!

Mike, you are truly a dear and close friend.
I can say that almost everything Mike mentioned is equaled by my feelings.
We have never met, but it feels like I'm talking to my brother.

Again, there have been too much done already and if anything else happens to come in, then it will be put aside as Mike laid out for another fund to help the other guys.

I am totally floored by all this. Rendered pretty much speechless.
God moves through all of us in different ways and this was just another example of how the will of God influenced the good of man.

I Thank You all from the bottom of my heart.
Like I told Mike, I'm the wrong person for this IMO. There are a lot more people deserving than I.

Now someone close this mess and sticky it somewhere!!

 

[Juniorkimbrough]

"once and a while you get shown the light in the strangest of places if you look at it right"

 

[Biker4Him]

Mike and I talked after I told him about his fund and we are going to be continuing this on TB. We are going to have ask Tom Bowlus to assist us in setting up a real fund where everyone here can contribute $5 or $20 or whatever a month. Then when someone on here TRULY needs help Mike, Tom and I will get together and get that person what they need.

If you want more information or have ideas about this please email me.

Finally, this was not my work. This was God acting through myself and others. It is in HIS name that I give praise and bow down humbly. A friend needed help and HE showed me a path.

Dang.. what a great idea. It's times like this when HIS spirit manifest itself in ideas and actions from us unworthy humans that I am reminded of what ya'll are forced to read every time I post.

JESUS ROCKS!

 

[Tyler Hole]

Props to everyone who set this up and has gotten it going, it's always good to help out a fellow bassist in a time of need. All I had left in my bank account was $5, so that is what I sent, I know it will go to better use than me buying DVDs off eBay with it.

I wish Mike F all the best and good luck with the fund and the bass guys.

-Tyler Hole

 

[Bassic83]

I feel blessed to be able to give what I could. Sorry it wasn't a bigger chunk of the pie, but every little bit helps. Tyler even threw in his last $5- that's saying something about bassists, I think. They say there's a brotherhood in the Armed Forces, but it holds no quarter to what I've found here! I'd go into battle with all of you any day! This might be a small miracle to you, Mike Fredericks, but we WANT you to have it, it's us getting your back (as opposed to getting you back! ) I'd like for someone to get my back in the same way, and from all indicators that I've seen, chances are that they would. So, Mike F., from us to you...we got your back! And Mike W, you're a prince for listening to your heart and doing what it said. I'm proud I could be a part of it!

Eric

 

[MikeBass]

I feel blessed to be able to give what I could. Sorry it wasn't a bigger chunk of the pie, but every little bit helps. Tyler even threw in his last $5- that's saying something about bassists, I think. They say there's a brotherhood in the Armed Forces, but it holds no quarter to what I've found here! I'd go into battle with all of you any day! This might be a small miracle to you, Mike Fredericks, but we WANT you to have it, it's us getting your back (as opposed to getting you back! ) I'd like for someone to get my back in the same way, and from all indicators that I've seen, chances are that they would. So, Mike F., from us to you...we got your back! And Mike W, you're a prince for listening to your heart and doing what it said. I'm proud I could be a part of it!

Eric

Thanks Eric.
This place is pretty amazing.

And as for Mike W being a prince....... princess maybe

 

[lgrankin]

Mike W,

I'm very moved...

LR

 

[jeff_bass28]

My fiance can never get why I'm on here so much; "just to look at pictures of basses you'll never own!"
Then I have her read the stuff like this...

 

[tombowlus]

We are going to have ask Tom Bowlus to assist us in setting up a real fund where everyone here can contribute $5 or $20 or whatever a month. Then when someone on here TRULY needs help Mike, Tom and I will get together and get that person what they need.

Let me know what I can do, bro.

 

[Condor]

I did this because God instructed me to and because a friend needed the help. All praise goes to God (though I appreciate allt he warm/kind emails, PM's and post towards me).

One of my mother's favorite expressions was "God helps those who help themselves."

When I was a kid I asked her "What about helping someone else?"

She would just look at me, smile and say "Same thing."


It was years before I fully understood what she meant. I haven't thought of that in so long.

 

[Vic]

Subscribing and commenting...

Mike,
I understand and respect your feelings, but I don't think you were an inappropriate choice for at least some of this to land on. I would just offer one piece of advice if you're feeling this way... pay it forward. It really works. This doesn't mean turn around and give away what you just got... in fact, that would be wrong, IMHO. Instead, look for opps to find something "appropriate for the circumstances" (whatever/wherever they may be) someday and just do it. Not necessarily even bass related at all. Just keep your eyes and heart open. Something will come along... always does... always.

Whenever I feel like I've been especially blessed, maybe even beyond what I felt like I deserved, I make it a point to pay it forward like this. I've experienced real grace this way... and for those of you who are appropriate for it as well, the peace and presence of Jesus himself. I get both a feeling of earning or deserving what I've been blessed with, which settles my unrest, but also the honor and pleasure of doing selfless good. There's a purity in the satisfaction these acts bring that just can't be matched.

I don't know if this will all work out down the road, as setting up a wish fund like this can be difficult to set up and maintain/administer, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. I'll also be joining.

 

[trainyourhuman]

Subscribing and commenting...

Mike,
I understand and respect your feelings, but I don't think you were an inappropriate choice for at least some of this to land on. I would just offer one piece of advice if you're feeling this way... pay it forward. It really works. This doesn't mean turn around and give away what you just got... in fact, that would be wrong, IMHO. Instead, look for opps to find something "appropriate for the circumstances" (whatever/wherever they may be) someday and just do it. Not necessarily even bass related at all. Just keep your eyes and heart open. Something will come along... always does... always.

Whenever I feel like I've been especially blessed, maybe even beyond what I felt like I deserved, I make it a point to pay it forward like this. I've experienced real grace this way... and for those of you who are appropriate for it as well, the peace and presence of Jesus himself. I get both a feeling of earning or deserving what I've been blessed with, which settles my unrest, but also the honor and pleasure of doing selfless good. There's a purity in the satisfaction these acts bring that just can't be matched.

I don't know if this will all work out down the road, as setting up a wish fund like this can be difficult to set up and maintain/administer, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. I'll also be joining.

I couldn't agree more, with everything. Well said Vic.

 

[MikeBass]

Subscribing and commenting...

Mike,
I understand and respect your feelings, but I don't think you were an inappropriate choice for at least some of this to land on. I would just offer one piece of advice if you're feeling this way... pay it forward. It really works. This doesn't mean turn around and give away what you just got... in fact, that would be wrong, IMHO. Instead, look for opps to find something "appropriate for the circumstances" (whatever/wherever they may be) someday and just do it. Not necessarily even bass related at all. Just keep your eyes and heart open. Something will come along... always does... always.

Whenever I feel like I've been especially blessed, maybe even beyond what I felt like I deserved, I make it a point to pay it forward like this. I've experienced real grace this way... and for those of you who are appropriate for it as well, the peace and presence of Jesus himself. I get both a feeling of earning or deserving what I've been blessed with, which settles my unrest, but also the honor and pleasure of doing selfless good. There's a purity in the satisfaction these acts bring that just can't be matched.

I don't know if this will all work out down the road, as setting up a wish fund like this can be difficult to set up and maintain/administer, but I'm crossing my fingers and hoping for the best. I'll also be joining.

I hear ya Vic.
I've been doing my best to help out others when and where I can. I guess this is it coming back on me a bit.
Even though I don't think I "paid" it forward enough in my life thus far.
But do we really ever feel that way?? I hope I don't ever fell like that!

You guys are amazing. Stunning example of again, how the good grace of God blesses us with his influence.

I talked to Mike just a little bit ago. He basicly told me to shut up about all this and say "Thank You".
So humbly,
Thank You

 

[joeyl]

hi there
I am atheist but that does not prevent me from feeling sympathy for Mike F. Mike F, my thoughts are with you

And it is also done