YNOT – While mainly known as co-owner of the classic company Paradise Visuals or through directing movies for SunLust Pictures under the name Spencer Benedict, Jason Green also is devoted to raising money to find a cure for cystic fibrosis.
In fact, Green is so dedicated to finding a cure that Paradise Visuals will donate a percentage from all of its future releases to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
Green’s best friend, Amanda Thompson, is living with cystic fibrosis, making the cause very personal.
“If there is one thing I learned from Amanda, it is to never give up,” Green said. “I could sit around and feel bad, or I can step up and try to make a difference.”
In the 1950s, few people with cystic fibrosis — an inherited chronic disease that affects the lungs and digestive system of tens of thousands of children and young adults — lived to attend elementary school. Today, advances in research and medical treatment have enhanced and extended life for children and adults with CF. Many people with the disease now expect to live into their 30s, 40s and beyond.
The possibility of a cure is limited only by money. “Money buys science, and science buys life” is the guiding philosophy of those working to find a cure.
On Saturday, Las Vegas band Sin City Sinners played a benefit concert for Cystic Fibrosis Research & Awareness. The concert featured Todd Kerns (Slash, Age of Electric), Brent Muscat (Faster Pussycat), Rob Cournoyer (Raging Slab) and Michael Ellis. The Sinners were joined by several special guests, including Jimmy Crespo (Aerosmith), Phil Varone (Skid Row, Saigon Kick), Paul Shortino (Quiet Riot, Rough Cutt, King Kobra), Vinnie Paul (Pantera) and Louie Merlino (Beggars & Thieves).
On Monday, an auction commenced on the band’s website to raise additional funds for the organization. Fans and other may visit TheSinCitySinners.com to bid on autographed items generously donated by Carmine Appice (Drum Legend), Vinny Appice (Dio, Black Sabbath), Frankie Banali (Quiet Riot), Cheetah Chrome (The Dead Boys), Blas Elias (Slaughter), Dave Ellefson (Megadeth), Ron Keel (Keel), Bruce Kulick (KISS), L.A. Guns (donated by Phil Lewis), Tim “Ripper” Owens (Judas Priest), Ted Poley (Danger Danger), Evan Seinfeld (Biohazard), Trixter (donated by Pete Loran), Eddie Trunk (host of That Metal Show), Twisted Sister (donated by Eddie Ojeda & AJ Pero), Crespo, Paul, Shortino and Varone.
“I have great friends in the industry who have donated auction items, including Sunny Leone, Lupe Fuentes, Evan Seinfeld and Ron Jeremy, to name a few,” Green said. “I also have been fortunate to know some really great and famous musicians. Many stepped up to get me items to help raise money for the charity. Growing up, these guys were my heroes, and they still are.”
On April 9, 2011, Green will captain the Sin City Sinners Team for a 5K walk in Las Vegas to raise money for cystic fibrosis research. He will be joined by all the members of the band, and fans are encouraged to participate, as well.
