Hogan Katrina Benefit This Saturday, 9/10

[SK3]

This Saturday, September 10, come on down to Dagostino's Deli (11 Waterfield Rd. Winchester, Massachusetts). From 10 am to noon, autographed photos of Hulk Hogan will be offered for sale. All proceeds will be going to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, and every dollar made will be matched by the Hulk himself.

IMPORTANT: If anyone has any further details regarding this (What is the price of a photo? Is Hulk Hogan appearing in person?), please let me know.

[curlyq]

where did you find this info? ill find out today about saturday and let you know

[SK3]

My friend Dan Arena found an article about it in a local newspaper. The only details I have are what he read from the article.

Yes, please find out more about this event and let us know about the details. Thanks.

[Dog Fan]

that's very thoughtful and kind of him. for all of the bs he takes about his character, i sure don't see many of hogan's detractors doing anything.

[HULKAMANIA]

Here's an article talking about the event, courtesy of TownOnline.com:

Hulkamania runs wild
By Christopher Rocchio of The Winchester Star
Thursday, September 15, 2005


Ambrose Elementary School third-grader Alana Leslie is a passionate animal lover who happens to have wrestling in her blood. Her father is Brutus "The Barber" Beefcake, and her uncle and godfather is Hulk Hogan.

While watching footage of Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast, Alana began to feel bad for both the people and animals who were victims of one of the worst natural disasters in our nation's history.

She talked to her mom, Barbie, about what could be done to help, and it was decided a fund raiser could be held where pictures of her uncle and father were sold. Alana pitched the idea to Hogan, and he guaranteed to match whatever she raised and donate it to victims, those with four and two legs.

On Saturday, the fund raiser was held in front of D'Agostino's Delicatessen on Waterfield Road, with money raised going to either the Humane Society or Red Cross.

"Alana is a child who doesn't wont for lots of things," said Barbie. "We're not asking her to give money out of her own pocket, but rather to just give something back."

Along with several of her friends, Alana dressed in the traditional Hulk Hogan colors of red and yellow, encouraging people to purchase an autographed picture or just make a donation. Ed Leslie, also known as Brutus "the Barber" Beefcake, was there as well, accompanied by his famous pair of shears.

"He had some takers for people who wanted to get their haircut," said Barbie.

The event raised $562, which was doubled by Hogan, bringing the total to $1,024. Barbie said she spoke with Hogan, who told her he was proud of Alana and her idea to help animals affected by the hurricane.

"He told me anytime Alana does any kind of fund raising, he'll be there to support her," said Barbie.

Part of the idea to help aid animals as well as people arose several months ago when the Leslie's family dog died because of a brain tumor. Barbie said the death made them realize how much the family dynamic can change with the loss of a pet.

"When the hurricane hit, we imagined how awful it must have been to not have your house anymore," she said. "But to not be able to take your pet with you (to a shelter) is tough on a family too."

Alana's love for animals was passed on to her by her mother and her aunt, Linda Hogan. Alana has always had some type of pet, and frequently watches Animal Planet. One year for Christmas, she asked her parents if they could adopt an elephant as a gift. Barbie found a program in England that allows you to do just that, and Emily the elephant has been a member of the Leslie family ever since.

Barbie said the Hogan household was also a place where Alana learned to nurture and care for animals.

"When she was younger, Alana used to ask to visit Uncle Zoo for the day (referring to Hogan)," said Barbie.

Originally, the Leslies were going to hold the fund raiser in front of their home a few days after the hurricane hit with autographed pictures and balloons. Instead, D'Agostino's Delicatessen owner Ralph D'Agostino offered the sidewalk in front of his business as a good spot to attract donations.

"The line is already out the door at D'Agostino's on a Saturday, we thought we might as well get it out the door and up the street," said Barbie.

The relationship between D'Agostino and the Leslie family began many years ago. Barbie was born and raised in Winchester, and eventually moved to Florida when she married Ed. Before moving to Winchester when Alana started school, Barbie's mother would visit her daughter, and always made sure to bring a gift for her son-in law.

"My husband loves the roast beef at D'Agostino's," said Barbie. "Ralph would package up two pounds and my mom would bring it to Florida on dry ice."

D'Agostino said looking at Ed, it's no surprise he's such a fan of his delicatessen.

"He comes in every Saturday," said D'Agostino. "How do you think he got that big?"

Having lived and worked throughout the Gulf Coast, including New Orleans, Ed said he has seen dozens of hurricanes that have caused evacuations before the destruction touched down. He was shocked to see the havoc caused by Katrina, basically erase New Orleans off the map. He also knows how it affected many of the locals who call the city home.

"Many of the people in that area have never even been out of their city or town, never mind being forced to evacuate out of the state," said Ed.

Barbie said the fund raiser will help benefit an important cause, but will also teach her daughter a valuable lesson.

"We're very proud of Alana," said Barbie. "We try to live by the motto 'more fortunate than others but better than none,' and this will help her understand that."

As people walked away with autographed glossy photos and sliced lunch meat, D'Agostino said he's glad to help such a unique cause.

"It's definitely different than what anybody else is doing (for Hurricane Katrina victims)," he said.