Rocky Wood – Stephen King: A Literary Companion
The Australian American Association, Victoria (AAA) and the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) proudly present The Halloween Fundraiser Dinner Dance & Auction
The Australian American Association, Victoria (AAA) and the Australian Horror Writers Association (AHWA) are hosting a gala dinner dance to raise money toward an Eye-Gaze Device for prominent community figure Rocky Wood, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
The AHWA, Australia’s peak literary association for established and emerging writers working in the horror genre, are united in their support for a leading light in the field. “Rocky Wood has contributed significantly to the Australian horror community,” said Leigh Blackmore, President of the AHWA. “The genre has been enriched through his research on the work of Stephen King and through his international liaison between the Australian Horror Writers Association and the Horror Writers Association (international), of which he is President. Passionate about his interests, Rocky is a renowned speaker on Stephen King, as well as a great bloke. We need more like him to help forge community amongst horror writers the world over.”
AHWA Vice President Geoff Brown echoed these sentiments. “The AHWA has nothing but praise for Rocky. Not only is he a fine writer, but he has raised the level of professionalism in our community and has been generous with his expertise. We value his contribution highly, and hope the fundraiser raises enough to cover the cost of the Eye-Gaze Device in full.”
Sam Muscat, President of the AAA, said, “Raising money towards the purchasing of an Eye-Glaze Device is very important; not only for what will be a great support tool for Rocky Wood, but to be able to give something back to Rocky, who has given a great deal of himself to the AAA and the community. Rocky was a committed President and great leader of the AAA, and I could never fill his shoes!” The AAA work towards betterment of relations between Australia and America at all levels; to explore that relationship through analysis, criticism, and celebration. Mr Muscat further stated, “I believe that other members of our community who suffer from this disease would also benefit by the use of this machine, and I am hoping people will be supportive and committed in raising the total funds required to ensure that Rocky can successfully purchase it.”
The Eye-Gaze Device, costing up to $20,000.00, facilitates communication once MND has progressed to the point where speech is no longer possible. MND affects nerve cells controlling muscles, and progressively diminishes a person’s ability to move, speak, breath and swallow; the disease is invariably fatal. In addition to proceeds from ticket sales, a fundraiser auction is being held.
Items on offer include a US first hardcover edition of Just After Sunset, signed and personally donated by Stephen King; an original illustration by Greg Chapman from the forthcoming graphic novel Witches! by Rocky Wood and Lisa Morton; and signed copies of Rocky Wood’s own books, the graphic novel Horrors! Great Stories of Fear and Their Creators and Stephen King: A Literary Companion. Bids can be made by attendees on the night; remote bidding on items under Vickrey Auction is open until 6.30pm on Saturday 29 October.
The Halloween Fundraiser Dinner Dance will be held on Saturday 29 October 2011, 6.30-pm to midnight, at the City Of Melbourne Bowls Club, Flagstaff Gardens. The dinner dance will feature a DJ spinning monster mashing tunes appropriate to this spectacular Halloween fancy dress event. The venue is licensed and fully catered with a delectable gourmet BBQ buffet.
To purchase tickets to the dinner dance, or make an auction bid, visit the AHWA website for further information or to book a place at the event: www.australianhorror.com.