Held at the Waldorf-Astoria in New York City last summer, the dinner honored Chairman and CEO of Insignia/ESG, Stephen Siegel who has volunteered his time and efforts to raise money for the Foundation. The dinner was also a benefit, designed to bring attention to the approximately 6 million Americans affected by retinal degenerative diseases and the other 9 million who are pre-symptomatic. The record breaking event earned more than $1 million for the Foundation's research efforts.

     The Foundation for Blindness is a world renowned national eye research organization that funds retinal degenerative disease research at more than 50 institutions in the United States and abroad. They are the largest provider of retinal degenerative research funding in the world, and also serve as a source of information for eye care specialists as well as people afflicted with retinal disorders.

Elton John Lends a
Helping Hand

amaha artist Elton John helped raise $19,000 for St. Luke's Children's Hospital in Boise, ID when he autographed a Yamaha C1 conservatory grand piano prior to his performance at the Boise State University (BSU) Pavilion last spring. The piano was later auctioned during St. Luke's annual Children's Miracle Network Days.

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     Keith Jorgensen Music at Boise Towne Square donated the Yamaha piano. St. Luke's Children's Hospital and Keith Jorgensen Music worked with radio station MIX 106 to obtain John's signature. "The market manager of the radio station made arrangements with Elton John's management to bring the lid of the piano to the concert at the BSU Pavilion for him to autograph before he performed," says Heather Jauregui of St. Luke's Children's Hospital.

     The week following the concert, the piano was on display in center court at Boise Towne Square mall, and silent bids were opened at St. Luke's Kid For A Night gala at the Boise Centre on the Grove. Bids closed two days later during the Children's Miracle Network Radiothon hosted by MIX 106. The Silent Auction resulted in a winning bid of $19,000 for the autographed piano. All donations raised benefited the pediatric intensive care unit at St. Luke's Children's Hospital. The hospital cares for 20,000 kids each year.

Lorie Line's
Annual Holiday Tour

orie Line's first solo piano album in ten years, Simply Grand, was released last August and has remained on the charts ever since. All the songs were recorded on her nine foot Yamaha CFIIIS concert grand piano that sits atop a raised platform in her living room. What is so unique about the original work is that each song was created on the day it was recorded. One could say this is a return to Line's musical roots-her first album, Out of Line, was solo piano. She then recorded 13 more albums, all of which include accompaniment.

     "I guess history repeats itself, because here I am again, doing what I feel I do best, just playing by myself," says Line. "Recording a solo album gave me the opportunity to be alone to create the kind of music I love to play."

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