DEADWOOD BLOG

As this site is just getting started and we're not sure what form it will take, we want to let you all know what transpired at work yesterday and that we couldn't be more proud to kick-off our first post with the following.

First of all, the talk amongst the background players regarding this blog was met with great enthusiasm, and as we progress, you'll come to know some of the really good guys involved and many of the wonderful talents and stories they possess. Beyond the obvious examples of actors and the plays (some Shakespearean), shorts, and independent films they're involved with, we have writers, artists, photographers, musicians, war heroes, mechanical engineers, true cowboys, graphic designers, etc who, to a man (we have some very fine ladies too), have great respect for the show.

So, what happened yesterday? Simply, Sam Neely did! Sam came to work and told us of his effort to personally deliver needed supplies to Jefferson Davis Parish in Louisiana (an area hit hard by hurricane Rita after taking in over 600 evacuees from hurricane Katrina), and from there, the day became full of good men doing great things. To begin with, Sam is one of the top western and charity auctioneers around the country and known as "The Cowboy Auctioneer"--you may recognize him from an event or his larger than life film presence. A few weeks ago, he told us of how his son in Jennings, LA (part of Jeff-Davis Parish) lost his home and was without electricity, water, etc.. Sam wanted to help; and yesterday, he had a plan. It seems that when he asked his son what he needed, Sam's son said the whole Parish was in need of help and that the he was trying to do what he could to help his neighbors. Sam's task escalated, and he rose to the occasion.

Sam contacted Sheriff Ricky Edwards Jr. of Jefferson Davis Parish (a no-nonsense guy who reassigned a FEMA water truck and set-down firm rules at the shelters to bring necessities and order to his constituents) to find out what they needed. Then Sam decided to fill a 4½-ton trailer with donated supplies for the Parish; he's leaving this Saturday to deliver them.

As word of this worked its way around Melody Ranch yesterday, Sam was in for a couple of big surprises: A cast member was on set with his wife and they offered to give their Airstream trailer to the Parish for anyone who needs a place to stay. And when a top executive of the show found out about Sam's efforts, he asked how he could help.

So how can you help? Here are five ways you can contribute to the relief and rebuilding of Jefferson Davis Parish:

1. Sam's run will begin on Saturday, October 8^th, 2005, from Los Angeles and travel all the way to Jennings, LA via Highway 10. If you live or own a business along this route and want to add your donations to Sam's trailer please contact us by email ASAP and Sam will make some stops along the way. As of today, he has room for approximately 1,200 lbs. of supplies: dry foods are most needed, but Sheriff Edwards' letter (click box) offers additional needs.  

   
2. Make donations directly to: Jennings Lions Club at P.O. Box 1132, Jennings, LA 70546
3. Help in getting the Airstream trailer from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Jennings, Louisiana.
4. Purchase a "Sheriff Ricky" bumper sticker via email with all proceeds going to Jefferson Davis Parish
   
5. Contact us by email for round two, three and more of Sam's run. The Parish is in great need of generators, mosquito repellant, air mattresses, personal hygiene products, and food items like powdered milk, canned meats, etc.

deadwoodblog@cs.com

Lastly, we'll be in contact with Sam Neely during his trek and stay in Jennings, and he'll let us know how it's going via phone and photos.  We'll get the info and pics posted here as we can. He also mentioned his desire to put together a digital video documentary of some of the heroes and good things that are happening in Louisiana--we'll let you know about that as well.  

With thanks and respect.

All of us at Deadwood Blog