Our sincerest thanks

 It has taken us more than a week to put together this short post. Stringing together even the most simple of words seems like a daunting task. All of us at BME have known and worked with Shannon for more than a decade and we are trying to not only keep ourselves, but BME as well, moving forward in a positive direction. While we are struggling with such a significant loss we also know that you are also looking for answers so we know we have to provide them in the best way that we can. We’ve tried to put this post together to address the questions and concerns that we have been receiving so that everyone is informed about the future. Please forgive us if this post is a little scattered but we are doing our best.

The outpouring of support the community has shown since Shannon’s passing has touched and overwhelmed us.  Many people have talked about auctioning off paintings, jewelry and other items Shannon has given them in order to donate the money to Ari, Shannon’s and Rachel’s daughter.  While this is a wonderful gesture, we would prefer if you could keep it safe and cherish it.  There is no need to auction off anything in order to provide financial support for Ari as she has been living solely with Rachel for over 2 years and is well cared for by her mother. We have been keeping an eye out for auctions so that we may purchase the work to give to Ari. If, for some reason, you don’t want to keep the item or find that you’re unable to, please consider sending it to Ari so that she may have her father’s work to cherish. You can contact Jen (support@bme.com) for more information on where to send it if this is something you would like to do and she will provide you with a shipping address.

People have been inquiring about sending in donations to support Ari and we are deeply moved by your kindness. If you would like to donate money that will go directly to Ari’s immediate care, we ask that you please send it to the PayPal account listed below.  All funds sent to this account are deposited directly into a savings account in Ari’s name.  They can be sent via PayPal to arilarratt@gmail.com. Please make sure not to create automatic Paypal links from BME as direct traffic from BME (and other sites prohibited from using Paypal) have caused those accounts and related funds to be seized by Paypal. We don’t want this to happen.  Please include your name and shipping address so that Rachel and Ari can send you a special “thank you” card to show their appreciation for keeping them in your thoughts and hearts during this tremendously difficult time in their lives.

Shannon recently created some new Tshirt designs for BMEshop that had not been offered for sale previously. We are considering printing a limited edition run of these designs as a fundraiser and we will let you know if/when these designs become available.

Please also consider continuing to contribute to BME.  Your contributions ensure that Shannon’s legacy remains alive and also directly helps to support Ari.  We would love it if you have photos of Shannon, from events and other meet ups, to please consider sending those in as well.  They are a wonderful memory for all of us to share and for Ari to see as well.  Submissions can be emailed directly to submissions@bme.com or sent through your BME account.

We ask that people please refrain from emailing Ari.  If you would like to send a message of condolence to her please send it to Rachel (rachel@bme.com – please put Ari’s name in the subject line) so that she may read it to her or save it for a later time when it is more appropriate.

We are aware that various members of the community are getting together to hold memorials in Shannon’s memory.  This is a wonderful gesture.  We would ask that you please provide us with the information on any local memorials and we will help to pass on that information.  We will announce, at a later date, when a larger memorial will be taking place.  A private memorial for family is already planned.

Again we are touched and overwhelmed by the love and support the community has shown and we thank you and appreciate the understanding you have shown us while we continue to grieve.