Wendy Dio Statement

[Holymagica]

Wendy Dio, has released the following two statements to BLABBERMOUTH.NET:

"Statement 1:
"Regarding Rock [THE RODS frontman/ex-ELF guitarist David Feinstein] and [MANOWAR bassist] Joey DeMaio's relationships with Ronnie:
"Rock and Ronnie were cousins, they loved each other like brothers, they spent time together, called and sent text messages to each other all the time, our families vacationed together. Rock was one of the pallbearers that carried Ronnie's casket at the funeral.
"Ronnie knew Joey DeMaio, they were not friends.
"Can we now put an end to this?
"I am sure there will be people name-calling me for what I say, but everyone has a right to their own opinion, including me!

"Statement 2:
"In answer to [registered BLABBERMOUTH.NET user who goes by the name] 'alternativemonkey', who has every right to ask, instead of assuming, [whether] the Ronnie James Dio "Stand up and Shout" Cancer Fund is my supposed 'slush fund,' as some of you have already accused me of:
"I received the Articles of Incorporation of The Ronnie James Dio "Stand Up and Shout" Cancer Fund, a California Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation on June 1st, 2010. Registration # 3295083 from the Secretary of State of the State of California. Which states: This corporation is a nonprofit corporation and is not organized for the private gain of any person. It is organized under the Nonprofit Public Benefit Corporation Law for charitable purposes. The specific purpose of this corporation is primarily to provide free cancer-screening programs and testing to the public regardless of any individual's ability to pay for same, to provide financial assistance to cancer patients who are burdened with the cost of health care. Additionally, this corporation may engage in activities that are reasonably related to, or in furtherance of, its stated charitable purposes or in any other charitable activities. This Corporation is organized and operated exclusively for charitable purposes within the meaning of Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended (the Code).
"The Board of Directors are as follows: Gloria Butler, Wendy Dio, Dr. Lois Lee, Dr. Sandeep Kapoor, Stanley J. Diamond (attorney at law), John Doran CPA, Adam Parsons, Tim Murch, Paul Newman, Nick Jackson, Neil Warnock, Robin Shaw, Maureen O'Connor, Dean Schachtel and Sheila Melody.
"The funds are being held in Wells Fargo Bank. To date we have received donations of $170,620.69 through PayPal, and $38,003.05 in cheques. We received a $10,000 donation from METALLICA, and generous donations from DEEP PURPLE, Slash and Metal Blade Records and from all the wonderful friends and fans.
"We held our first Board meeting on June 9th and discussed our first release of funds going to M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston Texas, The T.J. Martell Foundation and other cancer centers, we will be requesting proposals from each organization as to how the donation will be spent to be considered by the Board, before any funds are released to them.
"I will keep you updated of where your money is going, and can assure you it will NOT be going into any administration costs, but to the people that need it. This is the main reason I wanted to form this fund, so we do know where the money goes and not eaten up by a big corporation that does have administration costs.
"The T-shirts and buttons were made and sold to us at cost by Blastwaves, the memorial books I personally paid for, and we have to charge postage, as the post office does not mail out for free, there are NO other administration costs. The memorial packages are packed and addressed at my office, by friends and Board members who volunteer their time."

[Holymagica]

The sad thing about this, why can't people just shut the hell up and let Wendy Dio have a chance to mourn her loss.Its a shame that Wendy Dio has to defend herself like this,Wendy Dio's integrity for the Ronnie James Dio Cancer Fund should not even come into question,every REAL Dio fan knows that her integrity involves accountability and loyalty to the fans, thats always been the case with Wendy Dio.

To the folks thinking of making vuglar comments on here, don't even think about it, not becoz I have been told not to by Wendy Dio or anyone in Niji but becoz the REAL Dio fans don't want to read your crap here.Keep your disturbing thoughts to yourself.

[alitivity]

Its just Disturbing that some Asshole would imply such a thing.
_________________
Check out Al Diamond Phillips/Nevermet on the web
http://www.reverbnation.com/nevermet

[usuakari]

Thank you for the detailed information, Wendy. Real fans never doubted that the funds were being used properly, of course, but transparency is good to silence the trolls, and it's heartening to see how much has been raised!
Remember though, that most people slinging such idiotic accusations on the net are trolls, they only want a reaction, and should be ignored most of the time, even though it's hard. Have an admin delete their posts regularly to avoid giving them control over every conversation, where you can.
_________________
FINIS PER SOMNIVM REPERIO TIBI SACRA COR VENEFICVS OSTIVM AVRVM.

[Holymagica]

usuakari
There has not been any such posts on this forum its been on blabbermouth.

[Driftin Elf]

I for one want to apoligize for all the idiots in the world who spend their time taking someones good intentions, and trying to make them look like something they aren't.
Where there's good, evil will follow. Wendy, BE STRONG, as true fans know what Dio represented,(Hear-N Aid project for one) and that your simply carrying Ronnie's, and your legacy on.
If I were Wendy, I wouldn't give those out there trying to stir the pot the time of day.
I have never had the honor of meeting any member of Dio, or Wendy, but any real research into who Wendy, or late Ronnie are truly reflects their motives are just as they have been all along ...the passion for what they do(not profit), and most all of that from my perspective is focused on helping others.
I made the pilgrimage to the Dio memorial. Ronnie's music has been there through my best, and worst times, so I felt I owed him that. I was amazed at how great of job Wendy did at putting a service togeather that us fans could attend. By the time I left the memorial, I felt as though I was saying goodbye to my big brother
(still feel that way). My point here is (and I think I can speak for the majority) that we Dio fans stand behind Wendy like a family!
Trolls your out of your leauge...go find something else to do.
_________________
...and the time had come for the one to go to the temple of the king...RIP Ronnie.

[Holymagica]

My best friend has always been my wife, she knows out of the many folks I work with, who are my friends.In the last 20 years I have worked with 100s of people.
20 years on...I would say 2 of them are friends and will be my friends for life but for the rest of them, they have just been people I have met in my life.
Not long ago...I had a workmate always telling anyone who would listen he and I were best mates, but I could not stand him, I was just being polite to him and thinking of good working relations.
I think we have all done that in our lifes.
Its strange how some folks think that being polite and having good manners is friendship.When it is not.



Driftin Elf
Yes you can say you speak for the majority of Dio fans,we stand behind Wendy like a family!

[fiddlequeen07]

I can think of few things more appalling than for people to make these ludicrous accusations to Wendy about the funds raised in Ronnie's name. First off, anyone who knows her (and I count myself as knowing her, although I've not had the pleasure of meeting her in person) knows she is as worthy of respect, admiration, and support as was our dear Ronnie. Secondly, the people who publicly speak of such "assumptions" need to learn a little something called the Golden Rule. How would they feel to be defamed publicly after just going through such a difficult and painful time as Wendy has faced the past several months? Show some courtesy and decency and keep your ignorant and hurtful remarks to yourselves! And how on earth do these people get off by opening their mouths when they have no evidence to back their arguments? It's sad to know we humans are capable of such ignorance and heartlessness.

I have a great deal of respect for Wendy and I admire her strength, her kindness, and her wonderful ability to take care of business with class. I continue to pray for her every day, and I am glad for the success this fund has already seen. I cannot even imagine the burden she must bear each day...I am proud to be a part of this "extended family" that can back her up!
_________________
"You'll never make me be like you. I'm Master of the Moon!"

[olivious the drummer]

I dislike Blabbermouth for this very reason - its full of people always ready to take the negative view on any matter.

I find it deeply offensice that Wendy has had to expalin herself like this................

BUT good on Wendy for doing it with such class and grace - says a lot about her.
_________________
Stand up and Shout!!!!!

[Rhonda Ross]

I only read it for the news and to see what people are saying in cases like this. I am helping a fan who did not realize we have facebook pages set up. HM he may be joing us on here. I'll let him know to tell you I sent him.
_________________

http://www.myspace.com/metal4pets

http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/tpc/ARS_linktous

http://www.save-a-life.org/

[RIPRJD]

Daniel James Padavona's (only) response to this:

"Good afternoon everyone. My name is Dan Padavona. I am Ronnie James Dio's son.

Joey Demaio contacted me a few weeks ago to discuss his tribute CD to my father. Joey sought my advice for where I felt the proceeds from his project should be sent. My first two choices were MD Anderson, which nearly saved my father against all odds, and Dana Farber's The Jimmy Fund, to which I am a long term donor.

Today I received CC'd copies of email correspondences between these two charities, and Joey's company. He has obtained the paper work for donating to both causes as I requested, and I have no doubt that he will follow through with his promise. I will leave it to Joey to release any specific information he feels comfortable in releasing.

These posts will be the first and last I will be making to Blabbermouth.net. I am not directly involved with any ongoing tribute project. Nor will I comment further than to say "Thank You" to any musician who honors my father in the proper manner.

I am gravely disappointed with the discourse which is taking place, and I can say with certainty that my father would not approve.

I urge each and every one of you to end this argument, and allow the process to run its course. The controversy, unfounded accusations, and intolerance in this conflict does nothing to help us heal. Some of the hateful things written in these threads should never have seen the light of day, and I think you know that.

As I stated in my eulogy, I also urge each of you to be screened for cancer and to treat your bodies properly. Early detection is critical to defeat the disease. I hope you will join me, and support charitable causes which are dear to your heart.

Remember that my father loved each and every one of you. Please honor him by showing the same love to the people you meet.

Sincerely
Daniel James Padavona"

http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=141852

[DioInfinitum]

There is always someone hating and making up bologna.

I hope this cancer fund 'saves' lives. I wish it well.

I donated and look forward to wearing the shirt and reading the memorial program.

[LindaJeanne]

That Blabbermouth thread was *ugly*. (The wild accusations & gossip were the most upsetting part of it). But then, look at any major newssite that allows comments, when anything remotely controversial comes up... comments sections of news posts do NOT seem to bring out the best discourse.

It's Usenet all over again-- its what happens when you have public forum + anonymity + no moderation. Under those circumstances, the most out-of-control voices get the most floorspace. And the most reasonable/wise people stay far away, so as not to be tainted by it. Result: downward spiral.

Much love & support to everyone who was close to Ronnie, regardless of what was ultimately behind this communication breakdown. I'm sorry that anyone had to deal with it.

[StargazerGeisha]

Wendy Dio doesn't owe and explanation to ANYONE, especially to the boneheads on Blabbermouth. Everything "they" were accusing her of can be easily found out with minimal effort. However, the easiest thing to do is to be nasty and poo-poo on somebody trying to do something for other people.

I can't blame a girl for setting the record straight so they'll shut the "you know what" up. And for the record, Wendy is a better woman than I am!

[LindaJeanne]