Tom with the framed poem that Melinda brought for him.
Did you think you'd win the auction?
Not @ first – I had my limit and it went over and it was getting later and my family and I were going somewhere, but I was getting upset because I was outbid. So I told my husband and son to leave and my daughter and I stayed and I shut off my computer and went to clean out my car. Well Brianna and I started listening to our Cinderella RW&B CD and she said I’m sorry you lost mommie you love Tommy Keifer more than anyone you should have that. So I got to thinking “What’s $100.00 more dollars?” So we ran in the house and bid again and I was top bidder. I shut it off again finished my car and by that time my house was full of company, because we were going out. Before we left however my daughter was packing to spend the night with her grandparents and asked me if I had checked back to see. I told her no, and she asked if I would before she left or she would not be able to sleep. I went to e-bay and it was gone. I went to my e-mail and it said I won! I whispered to my daughter not to say anything and I went out with a smile on my face all night long. I didn’t tell anyone, because it didn’t seem real to me. I had to let it sink in first I think - not to mention tell my husband!
How much did you think it would end up going for?
I honestly thought the bidding would continue once I had stopped. I expected it to go for @ least another grand if not more. Even though I would have stopped I would have been proud for anyone who could have gone higher. This really is a win –win situation. You’re helping your fellow man here.
How did you feel when you won Tom's award?
Wonderful – I was quiet, surprisingly so – if you knew me you would know that. I have no trouble @ all expressing how I feel, but it was just a great feeling knowing I was going to be able to help out with the relief effort and get to speak with someone who I have admired for so long.
How does it feel to be helping the hurricane victims and also having the experience with Tom?
Having the chance to help during a crisis always makes a person feel good about themselves, especially when there are children involved. Being able to help others with someone you love and respect like I do Tommy makes the experience somewhat bittersweet. This was such an awful tragedy I think it makes you remember that life is a very fragile, lovely thing and in just moments it can be taken from you in the blink of an eye.
How did the presentation in Nashville go?
I was just supposed to get a phone call & my award mailed to me, but I always go to the Mountains in October, so I asked Tim (Tommy's manager) if I could just meet with him instead. He told me he would have to ask and get back with me. Now I never dreamed that he would say yes, but Tim called back on Columbus Day and told me Tommy agreed to meet with me and he would get back with the particulars. Nashville was a dream to me! We met @ the Hard Rock Café and had lunch. Mom & me had salads - Believe it or not I can't remember what he had - I was too busy talking and showing pictures and staring and trying to remember to breathe! We talked about all kinds of things - hurricane - family - music - I was so nervous around him, I stared right at him and knew his eyes were blue, but I asked anyway about 3 or 4 times - he would just smile at me like she'll catch on! BLUE - BLUE - BEAUTIFUL BLUE - He said he was about 6'2" which has to be right I'm 5'8" and had 2-1/2" boots on and still had to look up. Let me tell you watching him walk up the steps and into the Hard Rock was a moment that I will never forget - he has a presence and good lord help me - but I rambled a bit to much. Forgive me Tommy, but it was your fault for being so WONDERFUL!! Thanks for all the hugs!!!
He signed my name on the award for me and posed for pictures. He was so nice to let me video him giving a shout out to my family. We talked about how devastating the hurricane was and about all the damage. I showed him pictures of our vacations we took to Biloxi out to Ship Island and to New Orleans and how we saw these places on T.V. and it just didn't seem real that they were so damaged or destroyed. Also discussed how awful it was for all of the people stranded and trapped. So scary. He was very open about his family. He just lights up when he talks about his son. I remember telling him that my daughter's favorite song was Shelter Me, but I forgot to tell him MINE! We talked about the concert I got to see in Jonesboro - I'm telling you I never shut up - the poor guy barely got a word in -
What was Tom like?
Tommy was so down to earth and magnanimous. He had my mother and me eating out of the palm of his hand so to speak. I was afraid I would scream or not be able to speak at all, but he calmed my nerves with his friendly demeanor and charm and I was a very happy fan! So generous is this man with his time and feelings. He is truly The Man – He definitely deserves all the praise I lavished on him in my poem. To show you what charm this man possesses I have asked my mother to go to concerts with me since I was 17 years old – she always said she only ever wanted to see Elvis and no one else. Well Mr. Keifer asked her if she would like to go to a concert and she said YES!! After all these years of me asking! One time was all it took for The Man. Mom said she felt like he was one of her kids he was so down to earth and nice - she really enjoyed him and said I couldn't have picked a better person to like. I do remember her and Tommy fighting over the bill - I couldn't believe her - she was just being mom - TOMMY WON!!!
What do you plan to do with the award?
Mr. Keifer and I had a discussion or a mini argument about this. I told him I plan to give it back and he politely refused my offer. He wants me to keep it, he was really so nice. He thanked me for contributing and said no thanks. Needless to say I will most likely return it by the 1st of the year. It’s HIS! And I want him to have it back!
How long have you been a Cinder/Tom fan and why? LOL!
Cinderella became my favorite band on May 18, 1987 – I went to a Bon Jovi concert with two other friends in St. Louis and was just blown away by the sound of these guys. Our seats were behind the stage and I didn’t get a good look at them when they were singing. They were so good I wasn’t ready for them to stop playing. While Bon Jovi was on stage Cinderella was walking down below us and I started yelling and staring @ Tommy. I waved and blew him a kiss and he sent me one back! Been in love ever since!!! My all time favorite is Don’t Know What You Got Till It’s Gone. I also Love Heartbreak Station and yes I’m the idiot in the audience yelling Shake Me after the 1st song knowing damn good and well they are going to save it till the end. My favorite video is The Last Mile. I think the guys look so happy and seem like they were having fun. No matter what I hope it’s still fun for them, because I know they still make me happy. Being a fan of such a dynamic group is the easy part. I’m proud of all the guys they each bring such fire to the band that none of them could ever be replaced. The Why? Let me see does sexy, gorgeous, luscious, fiery, juicy lipped & scorching help describe why I am a big fan of Mr. Keifer? Now ask me how I really feel or maybe not I see a divorce in my near future! My husband & son are going on a hunting trip this weekend in Louisiana - and my daughter is leaving for a sleepover, so I plan on playing my DVD alot and stare @ my pictures! Something I can't do when my husband is home!
Have you seen Cinderella in concert and if so, when/how was it? We caught the guys in Jonesboro, AR this summer on Aug. 25th. They were great as usual. I enjoyed the other bands, but when you are waiting on Cinderella you just want everyone else to go away. The show was amazing! It was a two hour drive one way for me so needless to say I arrived home very late and couldn’t hardly talk.(I’m a screamer!) I always have the best time when I see these guys. They rocked our ****** off!
Do you have a message for those that bid against you?
Thanks for being such great fans. I accepted this on behalf of all of us. Please let me take time to thank everyone for the offers to help me with this award. My boss gave me an early Christmas bonus and I took care of the rest, so I would ask that you please just make donations to the American Red Cross in honor of Tommy Keifer. Every dime helps, your donations are still needed and very much appreciated by those in need.
What would you like to say to the victims who will benefit from yours and Tom's donation?
My heart goes out to each and every one of you. I can only imagine the horror of losing everything - it is something I pray never happens again to anyone. I would like to thank Tommy Keifer again for being so generous. I was very happy to help.
Melinda would also like to add that "Tommy Keifer’s manager Tim is a sweetheart. He put up with me and was always 1st class. I will never forget his kindness. Tommy Keifer thank you – thank you – thank you!!! You are the best!"
As for Tom's solo album he is still putting finishing touches on the album. Melinda told him everyone is ready for it!
And lastly, a message from Tom!
He loves all of his fans and appreciates each and everyone of you!!
Melinda with her photos and the award:
