Second Life benefit concert raises funds for DFD

On November 16, 2011, a benefit concert for Dogs for the Deaf was held at Two Moon Paradise Resort - hosted and owned by Sabra S. - in the popular virtual online world of Second Life. Three popular entertainers donated their time to the four hour concert.

This virtual benefit concert was more than just a fundraiser. It was a "FUN-raising" event! It educated people worldwide about Assistance Dogs and about Dogs for the Deaf. It also opened up an important dialog. During the benefit concert I was approached by several people who had lost their hearing and by one person who had lost his vocal chords. As I write this, people are still coming to me to offer thanks and to share stories of their experiences with their own disabilities.

Second Life is a virtual, international world that can only be accessed online. It is a three dimensional world where you can be a pirate, a knight in shining armor, or a resident of just about any period of history - past, present, or future - that you can imagine. Second Life even has its own monetary system called Lindens and it recounts an earlier era when gas was 25 cents a gallon and bread cost a dime a loaf. You can experience and create anything you can imagine, socialize, play games with friends, work, explore, attend live music performances... the only limit is your imagination, which makes this world an amazing place for those who are disabled or home-bound.

Jack W.

Editor's note: Jack W. is the husband of Stephanie who is a DFD Hearing Dog client. Stephanie's Hearing Dog, Dazzle, was featured on the virtual concert poster (see below) promoting the benefit.