FRIENDS OF JIMI DAMONE NEWS RELEASE – Friends of longtime Reno artist, James “Jimi” Damone, 29, have organized a fundraiser to help pay his overwhelming medical expenses after he lost three fingers on his right hand in an accident on August 26, 2013.

The fundraiser will be held on Friday, September 13 at Public House located at 33 St. Lawrence Ave. Beginning at 6:00 p.m., Public House will be offering themed drink specials, including “Three Fingers of Jim” (Jim Beam) as well as hosting live performances from local bands. Local artists and business owners have donated artwork, gift certificates and services for the live auction and raffle that will be taking place during the event. Families are encouraged to attend the outdoor portion of the fundraiser (live music, auction, and raffle) from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. and all proceeds from the evening will directly benefit the “Lend Jimi Damone a Hand Fundraiser”. In conjunction with the fundraiser, Ace’s Tattoos will be offering special edition “Bad Luck Friday the 13th tattoos” for $20 each. All proceeds will benefit Damone. Reno residents can also help fundraising efforts by mentioning Jimi’s name at Freeman’s Natural Hot Dogs on Friday, where owners are donating 50% of every sale to the fund.

“Our art community is a close knit group, always working hard to see each other succeed,” said Angela Watson, owner of Black Hole Body Piercings and Event Organizer. “Jimi is a wonderful part of our group, and he needs the help of this community.”

For the past 13 years, Damone was living and working in the Reno area. He was an active member of the community working with many organizations including the Reno Bike Project, Great Basin Community Food Co-Op, and The Holland Project. Two months ago, Damone relocated to Portland, OR to pursue his artistic career as a leather tooler and wood worker. Unfortunately, Damone did not have insurance at the time of the accident. The friends of “Lend Jimi a Hand” are asking the community to help cover his medical bills, physical therapy and living expenses.

“I have an amazing group of friends. They’re going above and beyond for me right now,” Damone said. “I can’t stress it enough of how thankful I am for such a great group of people.”

Damone has kept a positive attitude over the past week and already wants to get back to work. However, having lost his livelihood in the accident, Jimi’s closest supporters are asking everyone who can help to attend the fundraising events on the 13th and help give back to someone who has given so much to the community. For more information please contact Chelsie Rose at 775-291-8211 or to donate directly, please visit https://www.giveforward.com/fundraiser/s4z2/jimi-damone