A good number of us have been wanting to do something in memory of Wacky, aka Richard Hammond, but scratching our heads and coming up dry as far as ideas. Rick was somewhat of an enigma in these forums - starting back some five years ago at Pianoworld. He was an irritant to some, no doubt, but to many more of us, I dare say, a source of many a bemused chuckle, and even inspiration. Not only was he an amazingly talented singer/song writer, (here's proof) but he was a thinker's thinker who could challenge even those who thought they were on the same page.

Many of you probably saw the article that was serendipitously discovered by Matt G. Not only did it further reinforce what a complex and fascinating person this Wacky Iraqi guy was, but, it solved our puzzle of what-to-do, with its mention of a youth program in Dorset, England called the Tides Youth Project. It turns out, Wacky had been very involved with the work of the Tides until he became too sick to continue. Since reading the article, I've spoken to a a few of the people there to get a better feel for what they do and whether they might be receptive to the idea of accepting a donation in memory or Rick. The program was set up around 11 years ago to minister to "disengaged youth." It receives 10% of its funding from the government and they fund raise the rest from local businesses and such. Another neat thing that makes the connection particularly meaningful is that Rick's brother, Paul, also works there. Here's a staff page that includes both of t hem. Tides team

Ron Pryce, the director spoke glowingly about Rick's work there over the past 7 - 8 years. He said that Rick had an uncanny ability to reach the "worst of the worst" kids, and would often go to the absolute last mile, sometimes staying up all night, to try to reach what might seem an otherwise unreachable, in Ron's words, "the worst of the worst" type of kid, and he was amazingly effective at the task. In short, Ron was more than excited about being able to not only further help these kids that Rick was so wonderful in ministering to, but to also do it as a legacy to his memory.

So, if anyone wishes to do something in memory of Wacky and also to benefit a really good cause, here's your opportunity. I'm hoping that it will be a joint effort of the offshoots of Pianoworld. Anything you might be able to contribute would be greatly appreciated by lot of people. Please PM me if you're so inclined, and I will send you contact information for sending your contribution.



PS to mods: I'm hoping that this thread might get pinned for the next couple of weeks.

Kathy, thank you for doing all the homework.

Check in the mail.

I really like the idea of honoring him by helping youngsters in need.

Any updates here?

Yup. Sorry, I missed this. I have been rather scarce from the internet over the past week or two. I had hoped to pull things together this week but I have been totally out straight after the long July 4th weekend. We've collected a little over $1,200. I spoke again to Ron at the Tides Center (and a bit to Wacky's brother, Paul, too). I told him the check was almost in the mail. I just need to put together a little narrative about the forums and Wacky's connection thereto with contact info to send off to him. I'm hoping that he or the awards recipients or whomever wishes will check in here and keep us posted as to how things are going with the program. He seemed very receptive to that.

Should something have happened yet? Just checking.