Greg’s Fire
This is an additional post, which I’m doing separately to call attention to my producer and partner Greg Ford’s horrible apartment fire which happened on Tuesday, May 4th. He and his girlfriend and writing partner Ronnie Scheib lost about 90% of their belongings in an electrical fire at their Crosby Street apartment in New York City. The building dates to 1864, and may have the original “Edison wiring” in it. Be that as it may, most of their manuscripts, both published and un-published were destroyed (they write film criticism for Daily Variety and many other publications), all their clothes, books and most of their live-action film collection. They have lived in Crosby street over 35 years, so you can imagine all the precious family mementos and treasures that are now gone. They are living in temporary quarters at our art director Kim Miskoe’s apartment now. I’m asking for my readers to donate a little money to help them get back on their feet. You may send it to my Paypal account, C/O kausler@att.net, and I’ll get the funds to Greg and Ronnie. Of course I’ll be donating, too. I should have a new mailing address for Greg soon, for those who would wish to write to him directly. It’s very fortunate that Greg and Ronnie were not injured in the fire, and managed to escape with the few clothes on their backs. Evidently this fire happened close to bedtime. Ronnie’s purse and Greg’s passport were recovered from the gutted apartment, and they are going to go through the wreckage to salvage what they can. Ronnie’s computer hard disc may be salvageable, they’re going to try.
    Greg wouldn’t want me to ask you readers for help, he’s a pretty independent guy. But without Greg, this blog wouldn’t exist, and my short “It’s ‘The Cat'” wouldn’t be a reality. So if you can donate, even a few dollars, I would appreciate it very much on mine and Greg’s behalf.
    By the way, for those who care, the artwork to the next Cat short, “There Must Be Some Other Cat”, was undamaged and is at Greg’s office, awaiting photography. It may be a long time before Greg can once again turn attention to such trifling matters as cartoons. Again, if you can, please help. Greg is a friend of very long and honored standing. Thank You.
Charles Brubaker says:
I can’t imagine what they’re going through right now.
Donation sent.
Mark says:
Charlie,
Thanks for you generous donation, you are a caring person. If everyone who reads this little blog would donate even a dollar apiece, it would help Greg and Ronnie that much more. What a guy, keep on readin’!
Mark
David Gerstein says:
Poor Greg—nobody should have to deal with this kind of disaster, but it’s especially tragic for a person who prizes books and ephemera like an animator/researcher does. My heart goes out to Greg and Ronnie.
Mark says:
Hey David,
You’re another true friend to Greg, I’m sure he will appreciate your kind donation. That’s a good point, just think how devastated you would be it your prized collections were wiped out by fire. My other readers, even if you can’t send a donation, send the kindest thoughts and prayers to Greg and Ronnie. We all appreciate it so much. Thanks for readin’!
Mark
Thad says:
Sent a donation – sorry it’s not a lot. I don’t know Greg Ford personally but I do know that MY job as a researcher would be a hell of a lot harder if it weren’t for Greg’s pioneering work as a historian. I hope that Greg and Ronnie’s future is a brighter one.
Mark says:
I think we ALL hope Greg and Ronnie’s future will be better. You have been very kind and generous in contributing anything at all, it’s not the amount, but the fact that you DID something! Greg is a great historian of cartoons and film in general, I’m glad we can all help him out.
Mark
Steve Cohen says:
so sorry to hear this awful news!!!
Martin Juneau says:
That’s still makes me cry. I can’t send donations but i hope him and his wife can be better. I know what means when you lived years in a houe and one day, everything who was precious at you gone.
My prayers from a cartoon and comic fanatic and artist, it’s means me!
Barry Siegel says:
Hi Mark- Out of all the misery life can sometimes dish out I always thought that a devastating house fire would rank among the worst. I know we shouldn’t be possessed by our possessions but losing nearly everything including collections, research as well as heirlooms and even your clothing would be a very hard thing for anyone to bare. (At least no one lost their life!) Hope my small donation helps and that they can pick of the pieces of their lives sooner than later. -Barry