Some news for local photographers here in Ohio--this Sunday afternoon will be a really important blow-out benefit bash to raise money for Bill Kennedy, a photographer at the Cleveland Plain Dealer. Bill has been battling cancer off and on for many years; unfortunately this year he was given a terminal diagnosis, but he will continue to undergo treatment.
I had the good fortune of meeting Bill through the local photo community many years ago, and also shot some freelance jobs for him when he worked as a features photo editor. He's one of those genuinely great guys who was always talking extremely positive and encouraging. When a community of photographers babble about "photographers are some of the nicest people" or "they're always willing to help each other out"--they're talking about Bill.
He has also become a bit of a legend in Ohio photo circles for his musical skills, pickin' some wicked guitar at various photo shindigs. This Sunday's event will not disappoint either, as he'll take the stage with his band Bottleneck.
There will also be a bunch of photos and other items available in a silent auction. If anyone is interested in donating a print to the auction, I believe you still can up until the end of the workday Friday (although obviously its getting very last-minute, my apologies).
Contact A.J. Janke (ajanke@plaind.com) or Chuck Yarborough (cyarboro@plaind.com) at the Plain Dealer for more info about that.

The gig runs from 1-7pm this Sunday (24 August) at Dirty Cowboys Saloon in Medina (Rt. 18 at I-71). Tickets are $15 per person and includes lunch. All proceeds from tickets and auction sales will go towards offsetting Bill's cancer-related expenses. A most noble of causes, so if you're in the area try and come on by, get some grub, toast a beer, bid on a print, and take in some live music.