Jan 10th, 2012
The 10th Musicians Toy Run Benefit
I have rested up from the whirlwind of the last few months, pondered this writing to extremes and I have some thoughts to share with you, I hope you are interested.
We have all made adjustments to our continuing economic struggles, myself included. Last year at this time I had great ideas for the 10th, was going to make time somehow to accomplish my goals. SLAP!! Life’s demands got tougher, work hours increased, compensation decreased and suddenly two weeks before the show I was so far behind I couldn’t catch up if I was driving the Bat mobile. What to do? What to do? The list of loose ends covered my desk, my thoughts were filled with phone calls to be made and people to see, a light came on, a simple answer. Not my problem, I turned the whole situation over to God, called my staff and dressed for the gig. Prayer works!! The 10th show was a smashing success, not a glitch, bump in the road or missed note.
When Francine and I attended a wheelchair presentation a couple of years back, the hospital had made a DVD compiling the donations the Toy Run had contributed to the children over the last 30 years. I was extremely impressed, got me to thinking, how much had the MTRB raised in the years? It took a while to find the old records from the first few benefits, my filing system needs some tune up. Ran a few numbers through the calculator and was pleasantly surprised. The goal for the 10th would be to break $30,000 in total contributions; I am pleased to report that overall the Nov. MTRB has raised $30,675.66. Considering that we are enjoying cocktails, friends and great music, what could be better?? We will present our check Dec. 3rd at the 32nd Toy Run. Hope you come and join us, pray for sunshine.
Francine and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our staff, a great job, you know who you are, a real blessing. Trails End Saloon, “The Home of the MTRB”
The Bands donating their time, it has been our honor and pleasure to work with you. Each and everyone ROCKS!!!
Reaching my 60th birthday, and realizing that the sand is slipping thru the hourglass at alarming speed, conclusion, better get on with doing whatever it is my goals are.
Planning for the next decade in the MTRB future has already begun, I can only hope that time will allow their implementation. We have developed a solid foundation, format, staff and clientele. We need to expand our sponsor base, I have ideas about this and need volunteers with extra time and business contacts, if you have any ideas, I am all ears; you know where to find me.
As for next years show, Nov. 3, 2012, I am already workin on the lineup, gonna spend some time making new friends. I always try to have surprises for you, we’ll see, I wonder? Who will it be??
Sincerely, Arthur and Francine
March 29th, 2011
The Second Musicians Toy Run Benefit, Rock & Roll Review.
Francine and I have been counting money, sending thank you letters to sponsors, contributing bands and are happy to report that we are wrapping up the Spring MTRB R&R Revue. We wanted to let everyone know how we did and thank you for your support. Now we will turn our attention to the November show, the 10th annual, we have some big plans, so put November 5th on your calendar.
With your help, and some last minute donations, we were able to raise $1043.72 and 4 bags of new toys for the patients of the Shiners Children’s Hospital. This will be added to the funds we raise at the November show. All will be presented to the children at the ABATE Toy Run on the first Saturday of December.
On behalf of everyone involved in The Musicians Toy Run Benefit, thank you for your generous support of this effort to provide wheelchairs and medical equipment for children in need at Portland Shriners Hospital. Your contribution not only provides life-changing assistance to children and their families, but it is an expression of the caring community of which we are all a part.
We look forward to your participation in next year’s event when our goal will be to increase sponsorship and donations and, just like this year, the musical entertainment will be provided by some of the finest musicians in the region.
Thanks again, and we’ll see you next year!
Arthur & Francine
March 14th, 2011
The Second Musicians Toy Run Benefit, Rock & Roll Review.
Spring Greetings,
We have been very busy in planning for The Second Musicians Toy Run Benefit, Rock & Roll Review. Sat. April 23rd 3-9 pm, We will be rockin The M&M Lounge with five sets of the Hottest R&R Portland has to offer.
Opening the show, Jim Crutchers band, Theory of Relativity and weekly host of Tigardville Stations Wed. Jam.
Next up, Greg Dawson's band, Probable Cause, one of our oldest workhorse bands in the scene. Greg has been a tremendous help in navigating the R&R jungle, helping us to produce this show.
We are very excited to include the very charming Shelly Hertel's, Responsible Party Band. If you have not heard RP, you are in for a real class act.
Headlining the show, Lexxi Vexx, Who? That's, what I thought, when we popped into Duffs Hanger last December. WOW!! Came home, fished the internet and promptly sent them an invitation. An energetic young female talent backed by veteran musicians, (some members of Dennis Mitchell band.)
As you can see, this show is in a class all its own; as is the purpose; providing medical assistance to the Children of Shriners Hospital. This last December marked the 30th year, Abate of Oregon's Toy Run has paraded up the hill, distributing Toys, finances and smiles. For more information; www.musicianstoyrunbenefit.org. If you are interested in sponsoring or donating www.francinewest.com.
My lovely wife; The Soon to be World Famous Francine West, your host, will personally welcome you during the 5:00 'o clock set. Thanks to all the bands and the M&M for their participation and ask that you support them.
Sincerely, Arthur & Francine
December 11th, 2010
First Prize Raffle winner 2010 and a class act
I am always amazed with the balance of the universe I live.
Each year for the MTRB we have numerous prizes donated by various business entities, we decide 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Sell tickets and draw some winners. Call them, deliver, meet for coffee or whatever works.
This year we followed the same routine. When we called the 1st place winner and told him he had won a golf package, hotel, dinner, golf cart and 18 holes. He responded with “I don’t play golf.” We dropped his certificate in the mail and moved on.
Fast forward to the Toy Run last Saturday,
There I was presenting Ed Dahl a check. The total of the two MTRB shows for 2010.
This dude walked up and handed me cash, saying, “add this to the total. I won the golf trip; I don’t golf, so I sold it.”
Arthur did not know this dudes name or face when we mailed his prize. I’m proud to say I do now. Steve Herman; He showed up at the clubhouse later and we snapped this picture, if you know him, shake his hand, if you don’t, you are missing a class act. I am the handsome gentleman on the right.
Every now and then someone asks "why do you spend so much time doing the benefit?' Enough said.
Seasons Greetings, Arthur
November 23rd, 2010
The amps are turned off, cords rolled up and the 9th Musicians Toy Run Benefit is in the history book. Francine and I are thrilled with the results. The house started rockin and didn’t stop till 1am. The review in the ABATE newsletter called the MTRB “everyone’s favorite party.” We are ecstatic that this year’s event lived up to that reputation. With your help, we were able to raise $2881.19 and 4 boxes of new toys for the patients of Shriners Children’s Hospital.
The next few days will be filled with picture editing, posting, emails, and thank you letters to musicians, sponsors and key personnel. We have even added a stage manager, what a help he was.
Despite the economic conditions and rain the program went on without a glitch. We were blessed with the attendance of some folks that I never expected. It seems that the buzz around town is growing and people are coming to check it out. And By Golly Gomer they liked what they saw and heard. Looks like The Musicians Toy Run Benefit train is gathering some momentum going down the tracks.
Next, I would like to draw your attention to the big event. The 31st. TOY RUN itself. On Sat. Dec 4th a thousand motorcycles will parade up to Shriners Hospital delivering Toys, joy and wheelchairs. Included in the festivities will be a wheelchair presentation, if you have never attended one, you should. You will understand the motivation and rewards of everyone’s combined efforts.
We are already planning next years show, the 10th. You are going to love it; I have numerous band confirmations, and irons in the fire, mark your calendar for Nov 5th 2011, 3:00pm, be ready to rock @ Trails End Saloon; winner of CBA Best Blues Venue. Home of the Musicians Toy Run Benefit.
I still have plenty to do, most likely the focus of my attention for this week. I would like to invite everyone to Francine’s weekly jam session Wed eve at Trails End, starting promptly at 7:00 pm. Come on down and enjoy a “King Arthur Burger Basket” and an adult beverage. Please musicians come and jam, everyone is welcome. We look forward to hangin with you. Yes, YOU.
Sincerely, Arthur and Francine
October 9th, 2010
The 9th Annual Musicians Toy Run Benefit Saturday November 6th, 2010 will be tearing it up at the Trails End Saloon 1320 Main St. Oregon City. Starting promptly, at 3:00 we will be featuring ten sets of Portland’s finest players. Back by popular demand are Jim Mesi, Stephen Bradley, John Wheeler, Doug Rowell and as Host the Soon To Be World Famous Francine West.
Complimenting the lineup this year, June Howell, Jessie Samsel and John Bunzow. Bradley and Bunzow have teamed up, we saw them last Sunday, WOW!!!
Kevin and the Tornadoes will be featured at 9:00, Kevin is the 2009 CBA Muddy Award Winner of Best Contemporary Blues Act.
Use the menu to the left to find schedule and information on contributing or sponsoring. Click on "Needs and Results" to view the videos of children benefitted. Watch these and you will understand the motivation behind this event.
A new development this year is our ability to give tax deductions for donations and sponsors, so anyone desiring to contribute gets a break come tax time, I am not kidding, pretty cool huh?
All donations should be made to FACE (Foundation for Academic & Cultural Exchange) and designated "Musicians' Toy Run Benefit"; money raised will be presented to ABATE of Oregon Toy Run on December 4, 2010 to benefit the Shriners' Children’s Wheelchair Fund. Items donated to the Musicians' Toy Run Benefit will be given away on Nov. 6th as door prizes.
For questions or to donate door prizes, contact organizers,
Arthur or Francine West, at 503-625-6019 or cell 503-351-5054, or email us at Francine.west3@frontier.com
As always, your participation, donations or suggestions are welcomed. We need more sponsors, posters delivered, raffle prizes and butts in chairs. A paltry $5.00 or a new toy gets you in the door for “Everyone’s Favorite Party”.
Sincerely, Arthur and Francine
Mail contributions to: FACE at P.O. Box 651 Sherwood, OR 97140.
September 26, 2010
Drum Roll Please…
Nov. 6th Sat the 9th Musicians Toy Run Benefit will be tearing it up at the Trails End. We are currently a little late on our planning, but so far we have confirmed Kevin Selfe and the Tornadoes, Jim Mesi Band, June Howell, Steve Bradley, John Bunzow, and Jessie Samsel.
A new development this year is the ability to give tax deductions for our sponsors, so anyone desiring to contribute can get a break come tax time, I am not kidding, pretty cool huh? Well, stay tuned for upcoming info on the benefit. As always, your participation, donations or suggestions are welcomed. I need some sponsors, posters delivered, raffle prizes and butts in chairs. If you are personal friends with Steve Miller or Neil Young by all means give them my number, 503-351-5054. I will be waiting by the phone. Arthur
March 26, 2010
The Musicians Toy Run Benefit Rock & Roll Review
The Spare Room 4830 N.E. 42nd Portland
Saturday April 17th
We are pleased to announce the expansion of the Musicians Toy Run Benefit. Launching another show this spring,
“The Soon To Be World Famous Francine West” will be featuring some of Portland’s finest Rock and Roll bands.
Beginning at 3:00 pm we have a nonstop 10 hour
schedule,
Megan James, Undercover, Bad Motor Scooter, Probable Cause, Bolt Upright, and the Rolling Tones, and will be struttin their stuff.
Francine and The High Speed Wobblers will also be joined by special guests; I won’t name names here to keep you in suspense. I guarantee you won’t be bored.
An Icon from the
Boise Rock Scene, Little Roy will be the out of town guest, unless you have done the Biker parties with us for the last 30 years you will have no clue, however, in the biker circle, he is a household name.
We have a complete new
Sponsor roster (posted on the website). Being that we are in a new venue, new part of town and a new format, we figured that working with the local businesses would help build our support base for future events. Please make use of their services. After each set door prizes will be awarded by Francine’s Extremely Handsome Husband.
We pursue every avenue to provide you with hot non-stop entertainment for your donation of a paltry $5.00 or a new unwrapped toy. If you are a starving musician interested in participating or helping Sponsor please call me Arthur at 503-351-5054 or email Francine.west3@verizon.net. On the website
contact us.
January 31, 2010
Just added to the spring Shriner's Kids Rock and Roll Review ... Megan James band and Probable Cause. I'm checking out more bands to complete the lineup. Check back soon for more details.
Art
January 14, 2010
For you R&R lovers, we are expanding The Musicians Toy Run Benefit adding a Spring show. April 17th at 3:00 we will dive in. Ten bands in ten hours. Already committed, Bolt Upright. Sinners Club and Bad Motor Scooter. We will be adding information at FrancineWest.com as available. So put The Spare Room on your list of venues and we hope to see you.
God Bless, Arthur
November 18, 2009
We have been working diligently this last week, finishing up the Musicians Toy Run Benefit. The sponsors thank you letters mailed yesterday, The check for the children issued today. How much ? you ask. Well, a whopping $3,776 and three cents.
And, a great time was had by all. Francine and I would like to thank all that attended, volunteers and musicians. I already have half of next years lineup committed, Including Kevin Self and the Tornados. I will leave the rest to your imagination.
Arthur West
November 10, 2009
Hello Everyone,
The amps are turned off, cords rolled up and the 8th Musicians Toy Run Benefit is in the history book. Francine and I are thrilled with the results. The next few days will be filled with picture editing, posting, emails, and thank you letters to sponsors and key personnel.
Last year, we were lacking in the photography dept. This year I have video and photo files coming in from numerous sources.
Last year, we started out at 3 with small attendance, this year we enjoyed a packed house from start to finish.
Last year, we were blessed with good weather, this year we took a bath.
Last year, most of us still had a job and change in our pockets, this year a totally different situation. Despite that, you were all very generous in financial contributions.
This year, we were blessed with the attendance of some folks that I never expected. It seems that the buzz around town is growing and people are coming to check it out. And By Golly Gomer they liked what they saw and heard. Looks like The Musicians Toy Run Benefit train is gathering some momentum going down the tracks.
This afternoon my lovely accountant Lisa and I will be wading through the post-its, checks, cash and receipts and hopefully come up with a final tally.
Next, I would like to draw your attention to the big event. The
Toy Run itself. On Sat. Dec 5th a thousand motorcycles will parade up to Shriners Hospital bringing Toys, joy and wheelchairs. Included in the festivities will be a wheelchair presentation, if you have never attended one, you should. You will understand the motivation and rewards of everyone’s combined efforts.
I still have plenty to do, most likely the focus of my attention for this week. I would like to invite everyone to Francine’s weekly jam session Wed eve at Trails End, starting promptly at 7:00 pm. Come on down and enjoy a Jam Burger Basket and happy hour Vodka cocktails. Any musicians come and jam, everyone is welcome. We look forward to hangin with you. Yes YOU.
Sincerely Arthur and Francine
October 1, 2009
We are pleased to announce the 8TH Annual Musician’s Toy Run Benefit. As in the past, all toys collected and funds raised will be donated to the ABATE Toy Run which benefits Shriner's Kids. Last year's event was a smashing success, raising $5000 and 6 large bags of new toys for the ABATE/Shiners' Toy Run. This year's event is scheduled for Saturday, November 7th at Trails End Saloon in Oregon City, 1320 Main Street. The party will start at 3 and cook till 1am.
The Abate Annual Toy Run is a motorcycle event sponsored by ABATE of Oregon where hundreds of riders take toys to the children at the Shriners Hospitals for Children.
The Musician's Toy Run Benefit is non-stop music hosted by Portland’s own, soon-to-be-world-famous, Francine West and the High Speed Wobblers. Francine will be featuring some little known talent from Roseburg throughout the show, Bayou on Harp and Lisa Long burning up her bass.
Back by popular demand are blues man Jim Mesi, boogie cat Norman Sylvester, and John Wheeler. This year’s line-up will also include the stars of Women in Blues, Rae Gordon and Margo Tufo, as well as smokin' guitarists Doug Rowell and Scotty Bouck. Rick Welters Trio, featuring Dover will get you dancing and Salem based JR and the Farm, will keep you dancing. Having recently met JR’s band, we are pleased to include them in this years schedule; be there at 7:00 for a real treat.
As you can see from the schedule, some of the Northwest’s finest musicians will be donating their time in support of the ABATE/Shiners' Toy Run. There will be great door prizes including a weekend package from Chinook Winds Casino Resort, airplane thrill rides, and dinner for two at the CI Bar and Grill, to name a few!
Again this year, we’ve pursued every avenue to provide the highest quality entertainment possible. We’re requesting donations of new, unwrapped toys or $5 at the door. Anyone wishing to offer donations, time or a little leg work, feel free to contact us.
I guarantee you will have a great time.
Arthur West 
Check out what The Oregonian published about the event.
