Mimi and I took some pics of the facade of the Zap building last week on our studio work day. (We work each Thursday in the Studio of My Aunt Debbie which allows us a little bit of downtown fresh air as we mail packages and make little deliveries to the shop.)
Due to the bands, and Matt working, I won't be attending with little Mimi and Max of course (too loud I'm sure of it:) ) but my MIL will be representing the family. what vintage number will she wear?!
We continue to read wonderful updates on Steve in the newspaper, and are ovewhelmingly glad that Steve is on the mend, and is still his witty self. Reminding us of good things to come for him, and all those people that care about him and his influence in Lancaster.
The burning down of Zap has changed all of us someway or another. Insurance plans are being tweaked, friends are hugged more often, downtown food tastes tastier, and all those treasured vintage labels in your closet have a reason to party.
Have fun to all those who attend tonight.
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Spectacular 'Stevent': Big crowd rallies to aid Zap & Co. chief
By BRIAN WALLACE, Staff Writer
http://articles.lancasteronline.com/local/4/366668
"Severely burned and facing months, if not years, of painful surgeries and physical therapy, Steve Murray hasn't lost his goofy charm.
"This is Mr. Zap from Planet Zebulon," Murray bellowed, via cellphone, to a crowd of more than 450 gathered at the Elks Club on Friday night.
Murray was speaking from a hospital bed 60 miles away at Crozer-Chester Medical Center, where he's recovering from a Jan. 20 fire that destroyed his beloved Zap & Co. and nearly killed him.
But he had reason to be upbeat.
Every person in the crowded ballroom had come to support Murray and raise money for his medical care during "Stevent," a lavish fundraiser organized by a handful of community members just days after the fire.
"Organizers had plenty of assistance from Lancaster city and county artists, antiques shops, clothing stores, hair salons, auto-repair shops, acupuncturists and other businesses, all of which donated artwork, services and merchandise to be auctioned off to benefit Murray."
One of the highlights of the fundraiser was when Rogers introduced to the cheering crowd the Lancaster city firefighters who pulled her brother from his burning store as acrid black smoke billowed from the roof and windows.
Had city firefighters found him four minutes later than they did, doctors told her, Steve would have perished, Rogers said.
When she invited the firemen to attend "Stevent," she found out they'd already purchased tickets — and taken up a collection on his behalf.
"I said, 'Wasn't it enough that you saved Steve's life?' "
In addition to the entertainment, food and a silent auction, the event included several raffles and an opportunity for attendees to pose for pictures to be included in a "Stevent" picture book being created for Murray.
Shortly before 9, Rogers interrupted the revelers to announce that a special guest had called in to say hello.
His voice sounded a bit flat over the cellphone, which Rogers held up to the mic, but Murray didn't miss a beat as he shared his feelings.
"I want to tell you guys that this is a truly humbling experience," he said. "I want to say how very much I appreciate all you have done and continue to do to help with my recovery."
Murray said he's been thinking lately about "the place that each of us has in the fabric of our community."
"Everyone has a role to play, a contribution to make, and everyone has a connection to the community we call Lancaster," he said. "Believe me, I can feel your love, and I hope that you can feel mine."
"Murray then thanked the volunteers for "turning this into a beautiful evening," and said something that drew the strongest applause of the evening."
"I look forward to seeing all of you and getting back to the life that I share with you downtown."
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