We’re a late in getting this up, but con organizer Shelton Drum is both biking and setting up a charity art auction to benefit the National MS Society, David Mack wrote to tell us about his own art auction, which is ending, however, he says there will be more auctions to come. Shelton’s message in the jump.


Each year the National Multiple Sclerosis Society holds the MS 150 Breakaway to the Beach Bike Tour in South Carolina. This year’s ride will be September 16 & 17. Funds raised from this event go to directly benefit those living in the area with multiple sclerosis, as well as their families. It’s the support of local communities that help fund research and programs for those living with MS in the Carolinas.

I participated in the bike tour last year but this year will have special meaning for me. I have become part of the Champions Against MS program which pairs up cyclists with people with MS. I have dedicated this year’s ride to Carolee Merkle, who has been a special friend to the store for more than three years. You may have met her at a recent HeroesCon, as she and her husband have been gracious enough to help us out each summer for the last several years.

Each year I – along with thousands of other riders – not only ride over 150 miles in two days, but we work hard in the months leading up to the bike tour to raise money for those with MS. Last year I did very well raising over $2600 through pledges. This year I have decided to take my fundraising to the next level by holding my first art auction to benefit the National MS Society and I would like you to be a part of it. I know how generous you folks are and how rabid the fans are for your art. If I can get even a small percentage of the professionals who attend HeroesCon to contribute a sketch or a page, the potential total will dwarf last year’s!

My plan was/is to collect works of art between HeroesCon in July and the end of October, and to auction them on eBay. I received several pieces of art at the con and some since, but we need more to make this fundraiser as good as I know it can be. All proceeds will go directly to the National MS Society, with you the artist getting a tax deduction for the full amount of the selling price. Please help me surpass my fundraising goals and join the fight to end the devastating effects of MS. Although the actual ride is just a few days away, the fundraising will continue through the end of October, so you still have time to get involved. The Heroes/MS eBay auctions will start this coming week, and will continue through October, or as long as I have art donations to offer. I’d love to have a ton of “con sketch” type pieces. Just quick commissions would be fine, but any original will be greatly appreciated.

I can scan the materials once I receive them, but better yet would love to have a scan sent beforehand, which will let us get the auction page prepared and ready to list as soon as the art arrives in my office. I’ll take care of the packing and shipping to the buyer, as well as collecting the payments. I’ll then send the money to you and you can make the donation directly to the MS Society.

If you are interested in participating, please contact me at (704) 375-7462 or by email at [email protected].

If you would like more information about the National MS Society please contact Carolee Merkle at (704) 525-2955 ext. 113 or by email at [email protected].

If you want to support our mission, but don’t have art or time to create something, you may pledge money in one of three ways. You may send a check, make a donation by telephone (1-800-FIGHT-MS), or you may make donations on-line (on-line is the easiest).

Make checks payable to “NATIONAL MS SOCIETY” and send to:
Shelton Drum
Heroes Aren’t Hard To Find
P.O.Box 9181
Charlotte, NC 28299

To donate on-line just click here and follow the directions. If this link does not go directly to a page with my name on it, follow the directions below…
1. GO TO – www.nationalmssociety.org
2. CLICK – Pledge/Sponsor a Participant
3. Enter – Shelton Drum, NC
4. Click – Search
5. Click – ePledge (under BREAKAWAY TO THE BEACH MS150 BIKE TOUR 2006)
6. Next – New Users – clickEpledge or Returning Users – enter login
7. Enter – Follow the prompts.
8. That’s it!

Remember, all contributions are tax deductible and don’t forget to apply for matching funds if you are employed by a business that offers this benefit.

Thank you all in advance for your support through your art and/or financial contributions, and for your encouragement. If you know of anyone else who might want to contribute to this awesome cause, please feel free to pass this email on. If you have any questions, or better yet, if you would like to join me on the ride, please give me a call.

Sincerely,
Shelton Drum
704.375.7463
[email protected]