Source: The Dante Memorial Fund.

Even in these depressed economic times, the Dante Memorial Fund has raised over $4,500 in contributions, with donations coming from France, England and throughout the United States.

Donations from $100 to $500 have been received from prominent performers, magic enthusiasts, authors, dealers and collectors throughout the United States, including Bob Albo, M.D., Marshall Brodien, David Copperfield, Dom DiMento, Gary Frank, Richard Goode, M.D., Edward A. Morris, Norm & Lupe Nielsen, William Northway, Jr., Marvyn & Carol Roy, John Slidell, Merrill Snyder, M.D., Burton Sperber, and Phil Temple.

However, while the majority of donations are in lesser amounts, they are of equal importance, as noted in a touching letter from Mr. Maurice Rowland of Essex, England:  "The enclosed check is but a pittance, but it is all I can afford on my retirement pension. I have never forgotten several of Dante's illusions, and they have provided me with many happy memories. I wish there could be several zeros after the figure, but I know that every little bit counts - and, in this case, it is the thought that matters."

In further support of this project, at the recent S.A.M. Convention held in Las Vegas, M.U.M. Editor David Goodsell made a special appeal for the Dante Memorial Fund at the General Membership Meeting, and the S.A.M. Endowment Fund Board , under the Chairmanship of Warren Kaps, voted to donate $300.00 to the Dante Fund to cover the cost of transferring Harry and Edna Jansen's remains to San Francisco.

To supplement the established Dante Memorial Fund appeal, collectable magic items are now being posted on eBay, in the "Collectibles: Fantasy, Mythical & Magic" section, under the heading "Dante Memorial Fund". To date, original Dante Show programs, an autographed Moi-yo Miller photo, a 6 sheet Dante Show poster and a McWilliams 1/2 sheet lithographed magic poster have been auctioned off. Every Sunday evening at 7pm, other magic collectibles will be posted for auction on eBAY. These auctions provide excellent opportunities for magic enthusiasts to purchase a piece of magic's history, and help the Dante Memorial Fund at the same time.

For further information, contact Fund Chairman Phil Temple at: dantefund@earthlink.net.

To see the current items on ebay click: HERE.

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