Today is the last day of our auction of SOA art created by Mark Mullen. This young man has attracted a lot of attention with his art and you my fair community have taught this young man a valuable lesson.
The lesson that Mark has learned is that he can make a living from his art. He has something valuable to offer the world. Do you know how many parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders need to know that there is hope?
Autistic people communicate differently, relate to the world and their surroundings differently than the rest of us but it does not mean that they can't be valuable members of society. This young man's story is a testament to that!
So with Autism Awareness month coming to a close - I challenge you to find out more about Autism and challenge your own ideas on mental health issues.
We will meet my goal of $4,000 for this auction - we are at $2790 with the Opie and Young Jax auctions left to be completed today at noon Alberta time.
We already have $1100 in bids today - so community - pat yourself on the back - we did it - you did it and I am so thankful!
I am off to do some training with some members of the Rider Friendly Business Association and then to my nephews wedding - I wish you all a wonderful weekend.
Ali will be doing the news feeds in a bit so make sure you visit www.beltdrivebetty.com to find out what might affect your day or life as a rider.
Until Monday...
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Friday, October 26, 2012
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Open letter to the motorcycle community
Dear Motorcycle Community,
I am so honoured, so humbled to be a part of a community that is filled with loving and giving human beings. Many may slam us, many may not understand us - but this community is truly legendary for its capacity for giving. Our on line auction to support a young man with Aspergers Syndrome proves yet again what happens when people open their hearts.
We are well on the way to reaching my personal goal to raise $4,000 for Mark Mullen's education!
Day one we raised $875
Day two we raised $1,000 and now on day three with 5.5 hours to go in our second to last auction we are already at $900!
I want to thank everyone who has shared this young man's art and story - it is truly a blessing for all families who have children with an Autism Spectrum disorder that there are barriers being broken and all of you have helped play a role in that.
And I know that there have been a few who have donated to Mark's Education fund - to those who have - THANK YOU!!!! The donate link is on the top and the banner for donating is on the bottom of each auction page for those who would like to contribute - every little bit counts as his tuition fees are $40,000!
To those who have the financial resources to bid - please keep on - we have one more auction after Gemma and Bobby are sold..at noon today Young Jax and Opie go on the block.
It is the last opportunity to have anything autographed by Ryan Hurst as Opie!
I want to thank Ali - (the most wonderful community web mistress anyone could ask for) for donating her time to build the auction web site which will, when the auction is over, become a permanent home for Mark to share his talents with the world and will also serve as a web site for the Help Solve the Puzzle Ride for Autism Service Dogs.
It's Autism Awareness month and each one of you have helped to break down the barrier that people living with Autism face - so thank you, thank you and thank you for taking such an active role in this auction - every action, no matter how small you think it is, it has caused a ripple in the ocean of life that will touch many!
What makes this whole thing so special to me, is that this young man - Mark Mullen, who because of Aspergers, had no way to work at a part time job to contribute to his education has found out that his art is his work/job and is his way to supporting himself - I hope you all understand what an impact you have made in his life. Belt Drive Betty
Check out the news feeds on www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed - there's quite a few interesting articles there today and for those who get our weekly community newspaper the Busted Knuckle Chronicles - I hope you enjoy reading the stories that are shared.
Have a fabulous Thursday and check in tomorrow at noon to find out the final tally in the Breaking the Autism Barrier through Biker and Biker Art Auction!
From the snowy north....have a FANTASTIC Thursday!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
I am so honoured, so humbled to be a part of a community that is filled with loving and giving human beings. Many may slam us, many may not understand us - but this community is truly legendary for its capacity for giving. Our on line auction to support a young man with Aspergers Syndrome proves yet again what happens when people open their hearts.
We are well on the way to reaching my personal goal to raise $4,000 for Mark Mullen's education!
Day one we raised $875
Day two we raised $1,000 and now on day three with 5.5 hours to go in our second to last auction we are already at $900!
I want to thank everyone who has shared this young man's art and story - it is truly a blessing for all families who have children with an Autism Spectrum disorder that there are barriers being broken and all of you have helped play a role in that.
And I know that there have been a few who have donated to Mark's Education fund - to those who have - THANK YOU!!!! The donate link is on the top and the banner for donating is on the bottom of each auction page for those who would like to contribute - every little bit counts as his tuition fees are $40,000!
To those who have the financial resources to bid - please keep on - we have one more auction after Gemma and Bobby are sold..at noon today Young Jax and Opie go on the block.
It is the last opportunity to have anything autographed by Ryan Hurst as Opie!
I want to thank Ali - (the most wonderful community web mistress anyone could ask for) for donating her time to build the auction web site which will, when the auction is over, become a permanent home for Mark to share his talents with the world and will also serve as a web site for the Help Solve the Puzzle Ride for Autism Service Dogs.
It's Autism Awareness month and each one of you have helped to break down the barrier that people living with Autism face - so thank you, thank you and thank you for taking such an active role in this auction - every action, no matter how small you think it is, it has caused a ripple in the ocean of life that will touch many!
What makes this whole thing so special to me, is that this young man - Mark Mullen, who because of Aspergers, had no way to work at a part time job to contribute to his education has found out that his art is his work/job and is his way to supporting himself - I hope you all understand what an impact you have made in his life. Belt Drive Betty
Check out the news feeds on www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed - there's quite a few interesting articles there today and for those who get our weekly community newspaper the Busted Knuckle Chronicles - I hope you enjoy reading the stories that are shared.
Have a fabulous Thursday and check in tomorrow at noon to find out the final tally in the Breaking the Autism Barrier through Biker and Biker Art Auction!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
Grateful...
I am so grateful to all who have gotten onboard to support the Breaking the Autism Barrier through Bikers and Biker Art Auction in support of Mark Mullen, a 19 year old artist from the Toronto area who has Aspergers Syndrome.
For those unfamiliar with Mark and his mission, I want to share a bit of his background.
Mark was accepted to Max the Mutt College of Animation - the college disregarded his academic marks and accepted him based solely on his portfolio of artwork. His tuition to this private college is $40,000 and he wanted to help pay for some of it. Many young men his age have part time jobs and contribute at least to their own upkeep. Mark has been unable to do that.
His art is what he has to contribute.
After seeing my interview with Christopher "Filthy Phil" Reed from Sons of Anarchy, Mark's mom Kristina Toomey got in touch with me and Ali and I decided to get on board to help this young man help himself. Ali built him a web site that once this auction of Mark's SOA artwork is over - Mark will be able to use to keep the riding community informed of his progress in school.
Here is the video that introduces Mark and tells you a bit about this young man.
I agreed to host the auction - for no fees...why?
Because I think that it is vital to support this young man for many reasons:
First - he wants to help himself
Second because his talent is so obvious and so deserving of the support and
Third because what Mark has accomplished in being accepted to college regardless of his academic marks is hugely important to families of other children with Autism.
Yesterday we had Clay - signed by Ron Perlman go for $525 - purchased by Paul Racine from Fox Creek AB and Tig, signed by Kim Coates went to Justin Ward of Estevan SK for $350
I spoke with Mark's mom, Kristina after the first day of the auction and she was over the top with joy.
She also shared with me that Mark completed his first assignment for his class at Max the Mutt and he had the top mark!
This auction is important not just to Mark and his family but to me.
A long time ago, a girlfriend of mine with two autistic boys showed me what love can do. Brenda's two boys Adrian and Andre both autistic - Adrian far more severe than Andre - were told they'd have a tough time in life - that they wouldn't succeed in the normal school environment. Adrian in particular. Well, Brenda proved what a mother's love and determination could do.
She worked tirelessly with both boys to ensure they could take the bus, do their homework and succeed.
Kristina is a mom much like Brenda - loving, patient beyond belief and determined.
And so - as a mom myself - my heart told me this was the right thing to do.
I am so humbled and grateful to all who have gotten on board so far!
The bidding on Juice - signed by Theo Rossi, Piney, which is the only unsigned piece in the auction and Chibs, signed by Tommy Flanagan is fierce with 7 or 8 bidders competing for these pieces.
My personal goal for this auction was to see it bring in at least $4,000 for Mark to contribute to his education and I feel confident that we will reach that benchmark!
At noon today the third auction kicks off with Bobby signed by Mark Boone Jr. and Gemma signed by Katey Sagal...
For those who do not have the resources to bid on the artwork but would like to contribute to Mark's Education Fund - Click here to go to the PayPal donation page.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this young man in his dreams...
There is a lot of news in the feeds today - I hope you will check the feeds out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!
Have a glorious and happy day!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor &Rider
For those unfamiliar with Mark and his mission, I want to share a bit of his background.
Mark was accepted to Max the Mutt College of Animation - the college disregarded his academic marks and accepted him based solely on his portfolio of artwork. His tuition to this private college is $40,000 and he wanted to help pay for some of it. Many young men his age have part time jobs and contribute at least to their own upkeep. Mark has been unable to do that.
His art is what he has to contribute.
After seeing my interview with Christopher "Filthy Phil" Reed from Sons of Anarchy, Mark's mom Kristina Toomey got in touch with me and Ali and I decided to get on board to help this young man help himself. Ali built him a web site that once this auction of Mark's SOA artwork is over - Mark will be able to use to keep the riding community informed of his progress in school.
Here is the video that introduces Mark and tells you a bit about this young man.
I agreed to host the auction - for no fees...why?
Because I think that it is vital to support this young man for many reasons:
First - he wants to help himself
Second because his talent is so obvious and so deserving of the support and
Third because what Mark has accomplished in being accepted to college regardless of his academic marks is hugely important to families of other children with Autism.
Yesterday we had Clay - signed by Ron Perlman go for $525 - purchased by Paul Racine from Fox Creek AB and Tig, signed by Kim Coates went to Justin Ward of Estevan SK for $350
I spoke with Mark's mom, Kristina after the first day of the auction and she was over the top with joy.
She also shared with me that Mark completed his first assignment for his class at Max the Mutt and he had the top mark!
This auction is important not just to Mark and his family but to me.
A long time ago, a girlfriend of mine with two autistic boys showed me what love can do. Brenda's two boys Adrian and Andre both autistic - Adrian far more severe than Andre - were told they'd have a tough time in life - that they wouldn't succeed in the normal school environment. Adrian in particular. Well, Brenda proved what a mother's love and determination could do.
She worked tirelessly with both boys to ensure they could take the bus, do their homework and succeed.
Kristina is a mom much like Brenda - loving, patient beyond belief and determined.
And so - as a mom myself - my heart told me this was the right thing to do.
I am so humbled and grateful to all who have gotten on board so far!
The bidding on Juice - signed by Theo Rossi, Piney, which is the only unsigned piece in the auction and Chibs, signed by Tommy Flanagan is fierce with 7 or 8 bidders competing for these pieces.
My personal goal for this auction was to see it bring in at least $4,000 for Mark to contribute to his education and I feel confident that we will reach that benchmark!
At noon today the third auction kicks off with Bobby signed by Mark Boone Jr. and Gemma signed by Katey Sagal...
For those who do not have the resources to bid on the artwork but would like to contribute to Mark's Education Fund - Click here to go to the PayPal donation page.
I thank you from the bottom of my heart for supporting this young man in his dreams...
There is a lot of news in the feeds today - I hope you will check the feeds out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!
Have a glorious and happy day!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor &Rider
Tuesday, October 23, 2012
Hells Angels suing Toys "R" Us
Some people never learn....Toys "R" Us and a Yo-Yo maker are finding out the hard way that the death head of the Hells Angels is a protected trademark! In an article today from the Phoenix News Times, it is reported that the Yo-Yo maker, Yomega's and Toys "R" Us did not respond to the cease and desist letters sent out to them and now they will all be going to court!
Sure looks like the death head to me...
In other news day one of our auction of Sons of Anarchy art by 19 year old, Autistic artist Mark Mullen his getting ready to war up. So far we have bids on the piece depicting Clay, signed by Ron Perlman of $300 and $250 on Tig signed by Kim Coates.
At noon today this auction closes and the next one opens with Juice, Piney and Chibs on the block!
Help a young man help himself - this auction is meant to help Mark pay for some of his tuition costs at Max the Mutt Animation college in Toronto. He was accepted to the college based on his art portfolio and not his academic marks! The cost for his tuition? $40K He wants to help his parents pay for his education by offering up his art for sale!
In other news today - the Hogs for Horses event in Windsor ON netted $9,000 for the charity!
A man riding a mini bike in South Delta BC is in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle - he was not wearing a helmet and the bike had no lights.
The news feeds are relatively quiet so far today but check back at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed! We update the news feeds several times a day!
Have a FANTASTIC Tuesday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
In other news day one of our auction of Sons of Anarchy art by 19 year old, Autistic artist Mark Mullen his getting ready to war up. So far we have bids on the piece depicting Clay, signed by Ron Perlman of $300 and $250 on Tig signed by Kim Coates.
 |
| Piney - unsigned |
 |
| Juice" signed by Theo Rossi |
 |
| "Chibs" signed by Tommy Flanagan |
In other news today - the Hogs for Horses event in Windsor ON netted $9,000 for the charity!
A man riding a mini bike in South Delta BC is in critical condition after being hit by a vehicle - he was not wearing a helmet and the bike had no lights.
The news feeds are relatively quiet so far today but check back at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed! We update the news feeds several times a day!
Have a FANTASTIC Tuesday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
Monday, October 22, 2012
SOA Art Auction begins today
There is a young man named Mark Mullen - he's 19 years old and has been accepted to Max the Mutt in Toronto - what makes that such a spectacular thing is that Mark has Aspergers Syndrome and was accepted based solely on his art - his academic marks completely disregarded!
This young man is a fabulous artist who through a friend of his family met Charlie Hunnam and as a result of the meeting the young man created 9 pieces of art - oil pastels - of the original cast of SOA (Sons of Anarchy) 8 of the 9 pieces are autographed by the actors/actress depicted!
There will be four days of auctions - 2 pieces a day except for tomorrow when there will be three!
Today Tig and Clay are on the block!
This young man is auctioning these pieces to help pay for his $40K education - anything he can contribute towards his own education would be a bonus for him as a student and artist!
Help this young man achieve a dream - help him pay for his education by bidding on a fabulous piece of art!
October is Autism Awareness Month and I feel it's very fitting that this auction is being held now - help break the Autism Barrier! PLEASE!
The news feeds are busy today!
In South Australia Bikers are being linked to fires
In the Philippines a Rookie cop is a thief?
In India - Harley-Davidson is celebrating 9th dealership
In sports, Steve Atlas wins Time Trial Extreme Grand Prix, the first electric motorcycle race at Daytona International Speedway.
There's a ton of other news in the feeds today - check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!
I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by my crazy friends on Facebook and via emails - laughter, it does a body good!
Have a fantastic Monday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider
This young man is a fabulous artist who through a friend of his family met Charlie Hunnam and as a result of the meeting the young man created 9 pieces of art - oil pastels - of the original cast of SOA (Sons of Anarchy) 8 of the 9 pieces are autographed by the actors/actress depicted!
There will be four days of auctions - 2 pieces a day except for tomorrow when there will be three!
Today Tig and Clay are on the block!
 |
| Tig |
 |
| Clay |
Help this young man achieve a dream - help him pay for his education by bidding on a fabulous piece of art!
October is Autism Awareness Month and I feel it's very fitting that this auction is being held now - help break the Autism Barrier! PLEASE!
The news feeds are busy today!
In South Australia Bikers are being linked to fires
In the Philippines a Rookie cop is a thief?
In India - Harley-Davidson is celebrating 9th dealership
In sports, Steve Atlas wins Time Trial Extreme Grand Prix, the first electric motorcycle race at Daytona International Speedway.
There's a ton of other news in the feeds today - check it out at www.beltdrivebetty.com where our work is keeping You informed!
I leave you with a few funnies, shared with me by my crazy friends on Facebook and via emails - laughter, it does a body good!
Have a fantastic Monday everyone!
Belt Drive Betty
Editor & Rider