9/23 Benefit Update! See Below For More Info...

On Wednesday, August 1, Mercedes Gorden was severely injured in the I-35W bridge collapse. Mercedes was traveling northbound when the bridge went down. Her car plunged 60 feet into the stone bridge support on the riverbank, and was struck by several other vehicles that followed. Mercedes’ injuries include shattered ankles and shins, as well as a fractured spine. She has already endured 6 operations to her feet and legs and will be in a hard-shell body cast for 3-4 months.

Mercedes and her fiancé, Jake Rudh, are overwhelmed by the show of support from family, friends and strangers alike. Your thoughts and prayers are a source of strength and encouragement to them as they prepare for extensive and long-term rehabilitation.

Sincerely,

The Friends of Mercedes Gorden

Transmission Live!
The Bridge Benefit for Mercedes Gorden – 9/23/07
Featuring Tapes 'n Tapes / The Ocean Blue / The Melismatics / So It Goes / The Deaths / Coach Said Not To

Join us on Sunday, September 23rd at the Fine Line Music Café in downtown Minneapolis for Transmission LIVE - the Bridge Benefit for Mercedes Gorden. Beginning at 6:00, this event is hosted by Mark Wheat (The Current) and Brian Oake (Cities97) and will feature live local bands plus a silent auction. Please pass this information along to friends and co-workers, and also to any message boards or blogs where you participate. This is not just about raising needed funds; it is about coming together to show our support for a good friend.

Help Needed / Silent Auction:

If you would like to assist with the silent auction or have items to donate, please contact Angie King at angiewarhol@comcast.net.

Silent Auction items include:

Gretsch G6122-1962 Country Classic Electric Guitar (Walnut Stain) with hardshell case ($2800 value) / iPods - Digital Cameras - DVD / CD Box Sets (courtesy of Best Buy and West Photo) / Gift Certificates to the Bryant Lake Bowl - Barbette - JAX - Fujiya / "Wedding Singer" tickets / ZOOM Teeth Whitening / "Breakfast with Bobby and Belinda on Grow with KARE11" and much more...

This event is 21+ / a portion of the proceeds will be donated to the American Red Cross - MN Chapter

Media Inquiries / Volunteers: Please contact Jim Froehlich at 612.388.0778 / almostredd@hotmail.com if you can assist with event planning / tech support and publicity / flyering.

While she is in the hospital, cards and gifts are being accepted at this address:

Mercedes Gorden
c/o Jim Froehlich
4036 Wooddale Avenue South
St. Louis Park, MN 55416

Jake has also established a Caring Bridge site where you can leave messages.

While Mercedes has insurance, the recovery process will be long, with inevitable unforeseen (and uncovered) expenses. If you are interested in providing financial assistance during Mercedes’ recovery, please send donations here:

Online:

www.paypal.com
ID: almostredd@hotmail.com

Note: PayPal charges a one-time fee and a percentage of the total amount you donate. If you want the full amount of your donation to go to Mercedes, we urge you to use the address below. Also, these donations are not tax deductible.

By Mail:

Mercedes Gorden Recovery Fund
Midwest Bank
108 West Main
Dalton, MN 56324-0278
attn: Julie

A portion of all proceeds collected will be turned over to the American Red Cross – MN Chapter