Date: December 15th 2008

Dear Nickel Friends:

I woke up this morning asking myself, How did I get this lucky? as I reflected on the day we enjoyed at the Nickel yesterday, knowing all the effort that went into making Rockin for Robin the great success and fun that it was for customers and performers alike!

My gratitude begins with Marcia Sindelar of the Swamp Boogie Band for coordinating the most impressive line-up of talent weve ever had in the Nickels 20 years. Heck, it was like having a Michigan Womyn's Music Festival right in the bar except that our brothers were allowed on the land and everyone kept their clothes on! (If you remember things differently, keep in mind, what happens at the Nickel, stays at the Nickel and I better not be seeing any unauthorized pictures on anyones MySpace, Vicki!!) ;)

When first planning this benefit for Robin Stone, Marcia spoke of how when you are fortunate enough to have a talent that you feel passionate about, you share it and pass it on, you use it to help others every chance you have, whether its simply through the beauty of the music at a gig or the fellowship of bringing people together to help someone out and show some love and support as we enjoyed yesterday.

And there sure was a lot of love and support in our little gin joint Sunday! We raised over $2500 in a single afternoon!

As you may imagine, it must be difficult to be on the receiving end of a benefit concert as Robin has spent her entire career being on the giving end of so many, like Breast Fest, AIDS Task Forces annual Dancin in the Streets, Pride festivals, womens shelter fundr aisers, etc., as well as helping individuals simply too numerous to name. So many artists shared with me how happy they felt to give back a little to Robin. Its what we do, I was told, Its just what we do.

I remain honored to bear witness to this coming together of support from such talented and generous artists and to the incredibly giving nature of so many more. Thank you to our Nickel crew led by Nancy, who attends to all the details big and small that guarantees the place will look fantastic and run smoothly, along with Connie B. helping to keep things flowing and Connie E. watching our door and watching our backs , Tony spinning his magic and Ginger getting things ready the night before. And Im most thankful to you, our customers & our neighbors & our Nickel friends for being here.

It was so wonderful to hear familiar favorites, like the Swamp Boogie Band and Early Girl as well as meet newer-to-the-Nickel talent like Mary Player and Swank and Backbone as well. We look forward to having these artists back throughout 2009 since they each left us hungry for more than the 3 or 4 song sampler we enjoyed from each.

Thanks so much to: comics Karen Williams and Dana Austin (Im still laughing), bands Early Girl, Backbone, the Swamp Boogie Band and Mary Player and Swank, girls with guitars Maura Rogers, Donna Mogavero, Alexis Antes, Tracy Marie and Becky Boyd, that New York City sensation, Liz Rubino and the smokin hot number performed by Bryce Chambers of the Cleveland Kings and Girls and lovely gal pal, Laura! And of course, it was a special treat to have Robin sit in on a couple of numbers too! We love you, Robin and we all loved being able to show you!!

In addition to enjoying some fantastic entertainment, the raffle was full of goodies, as well. Special thanks to Anna from Akira Sushi and Hibachi of Solon, Vicki from Damons Grill, Patti and Rick from The Mustard Seed Market, the L Word, Thorn Creek Winery, the Jane Deans, and others for making the raffle so special. The grand prize came from the various artists and performers filling a gift basket with copies of their CDs, t shirts, guitar pics and other goodies so that one lucky winner had a uniquely fantastic way to remember the event!

Since I scored some leftovers, I would be remiss if I didnt thank everyone for bringing a dish to share and Tina, Patti Yoder and Marcia for bringing enough to feed a small army. The food was delicious and plentiful and your taste sensations just capped off the night perfectly!

I appreciate your reading this long thank you letter. How lucky am I to have this much to be thankful for on this gray December day?

My best,

Patti and all of us at The Nickel