This was a very special show. We had already planned a theme show for today. In celebration of Australia Day which is January 26, we had already decided to do an Australian-themed show on the 24th. Then Nara suggested us donating our tips to the bushfire appeal in Australia. As most people know, the bushfires still raging in Australia have devastated the nation and killed over 1 billion animals.
As of 14 January 2020, fires this season have burnt an estimated 18.6 million hectares (46 million acres; 186,000 square kilometres; 72,000 square miles), destroyed over 5,900 buildings (including approximately 2,683 homes) and killed at least 34 people. An estimated one billion animals were also killed and some endangered species may be driven to extinction.
And the fires are still going. Due to the horrid drought that has ravaged the land, wet gullies and areas that usually remain untouched by bushfires are also so dry, even they have burnt, leaving nowhere for wild animals to retreat to. Some species are feared to be extinct after so much destruction. Australia is reeling under the extreme need, people are doing everything they can to help people and wildlife who have lost homes and habitat as well as so many injured animals. So everyone who made dances for the show tonight agreed to give all tips to Wildlife Victoria, who have put out a bushfire appeal.
https://www.wildlifevictoria.org.au/
Our show was fun, beautiful, and deeply touching. We thank all who participated, whether it was on the stage, behind the scenes, or in the audience. We THANK everyone who donated! Together, we raised 73,050 lindens. I have begun the process of withdrawing this as real life money. It will take up to five business days, but hopefully no more than three. Linden Labs took 5% (!!) which there is no way around, apparently they don’t even make exceptions for charities. So the amount I am awaiting is $262.11 USD. I will report back what that converts into once the donation is made. The final amount will depend on the exchange rate on the day. At the moment, it’s $384.04. The bushfires are heartbreaking, but we each do what we can, and every bit helps. This will help. It is something we can do.
Meanwhile, today was also DJ Gunner’s RL birthday. How hold is he? Depends on how you place the candles! After the show, a lot of us stayed and celebrated The Man’s special day.
Here is a look at a very special show, with a very heart-felt ‘Welcome to the Weekend.’ Love to you all!
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Jilley
With Antonio
Holly Valance – Kiss Kiss
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Babypea
With Gunner, Britt, Hell, Jorgio, Jeni, Jordan
Butterfingers – FIGJAM
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Antonio
With Jilley
Need you tonight
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Sarah
With Ginty, Pea, Jilley, Web
EPIC POP | ”Hope” by Nathan Wagner
I usually post two pics of each dance, but Sarah’s dance was so emotional, I have included more pictures from her dance. She made us all cry. And seeing the pics of Lewis, a koala the world came to know through a brave woman’s rescue… it was overwhelming. Sarah’s tribute was deeply touching. It is so hard to type this. Words do not do it or any of these bushfire catastrophes justice. And the people… when you think people are bad, just look at all the people helping. People at home, risking their lives to try to rescue other people and animals, our firefighters risking their lives to try to stop the fires. All the volunteers rescuing and treating wildlife, searching for injured animals, and setting up feeding and watering stations for animals who have lost their homes and food sources. People from all over the world caring, giving, and trying to help Australia heal. It is love. It is overwhelming.
To watch the video of Lewis being rescued, click the link below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xnX1PVvkX4
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Bianka
With Web, Jorgio, Sarah and CowGrl
G’day, G’day from Australia
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Babypea
Christine Anu- My Island Home
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Dear
With Everyone
Midnight Oil, Beds are Burning,
Keith Urban – The Fighter ft. Carrie Underwood
Kylie Minogue – In My Arms
And who did I find lurking in the trees during the crowd dance????
Plus, Miss Australia herself… well, not really, but this is some Ausome Aussie Spirit!!
Elysium Cabaret 