Prewar Possum - Posted - 01/11/2025:  21:10:46

gofundme.com/f/help-arthur-reb...copy_link

This was started by another member on the hangout Charlie Kamerman

Arthur has been a great friend and mentor and craftsman to so many of us in the banjo world-

I just wanted to post this so others can see it -

Zack Nibert

eagleisland - Posted - 01/12/2025:  04:56:58

All - please donate if you can, and share the link on your social media feeds.

steveloggie - Posted - 01/12/2025:  05:52:22

Very sad news. I donated as soon as I saw this early this morning. I enjoyed my visits to Arthur’s shop, and spending time with him. My 2013 Stonycreek #4 he built for me is my daily player. I encourage all Hatfield owners to chip in if you can.

randybartlett - Posted - 01/12/2025:  07:00:35

Let's do this!

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/12/2025:  07:41:26

Done. Arthur is a beautiful man who built me the most amazing banjo a few years ago. It was a privilege to meet him and see his shop a couple times. Arthur you are loved and not at all alone.

chuckv97 - Posted - 01/12/2025:  09:35:13

Why does it say “your donation will benefit Charles Kamerman”?

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/12/2025:  09:54:12

that's who Prewar Possum said started this fund.

ELittle - Posted - 01/12/2025:  10:40:41

quote:

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Originally posted by chuckv97

Why does it say “your donation will benefit Charles Kamerman”?

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Same question here. Aren't GoFundMe's supposed to identify the beneficiary? There's no indication in the GoFundMe that the funds will actually go to Arthur. And the text is just copied from a Facebook post. I'd contribute  but am not sure the GoFundMe is properly set up.

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/12/2025:  11:03:14

From the GoFundMe page:

Charles Kamerman is organizing this fundraiser.

Help Arthur Rebuild His Banjo Legacy "I am a retired entrepreneur that loves assembling banjos. I have used parts from Arthur to assemble banjos.

This happened to Arthur Yesterday (there is a picture of the burnt shop and having been there it's a legit photo).

Some of you may already know. Yesterday 1/10/25, around 8pm I got a call informing me that a true landmark was destroyed. That little shop that we've all come to love at the end of Burton Ridge Rd is gone. A fire destroyed the building and all contents before firefighters could get to the scene. Arthur rarely posts here, so I thought I would let you all know. Arthur was not harmed by the fire. This is a sad day for a lot of people in the banjo community.

Vickie Runyon friend of Arthur's."

As of this post $3,250 has been raised.

GeeBeeThreefinger - Posted - 01/12/2025:  11:04:37

Thank you for posting this!

chuckv97 - Posted - 01/12/2025:  12:09:16

Thanks, Anthony,, it’s legit then, ok. I’ll go ahead & donate… btw, my 1930 TB-1 conversion has a Hatfield neck.

ceemonster - Posted - 01/12/2025:  23:05:38

I'm hoping a different avenue will appear with better assurances and bona fides. I've donated to my share of gofundmes, and they were nothing like this one.   I do see the terrible news on the Hatfield Banjos FB page, and it's dreadful.   But I donate to fundraising that specifies where all monies will go, specifics as to a trust or other type of account, and arrangements for refund in the event the goal is not met or it proves impossible to use the funds for the goal.

Edited by - ceemonster on 01/12/2025 23:14:53

ELittle - Posted - 01/13/2025:  05:57:16

Right? Everything is probably well-intentioned but this particular GoFundMe raises a number of red flags. The creator even acknowledges he does not know Arthur personally. A family friend is mentioned but she does not appear to be involved. And in a Facebook post, he acknowledges that Arthur has not been designated as the beneficiary. So everyone donating is just trusting that this random stranger on the Internet will somehow deliver the money to Arthur. Again, probably well-intentioned, but buyer beware.

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/13/2025:  06:09:37

quote:

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Originally posted by ELittle

Right? Everything is probably well-intentioned but this particular GoFundMe raises a number of red flags. The creator even acknowledges he does not know Arthur personally. A family friend is mentioned but she does not appear to be involved. And in a Facebook post, he acknowledges that Arthur has not been designated as the beneficiary. So everyone donating is just trusting that this random stranger on the Internet will somehow deliver the money to Arthur. Again, probably well-intentioned, but buyer beware.

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I don't do facebook but the GoFundMe lists Arthur Hatfield as THE beneficiary.

ELittle - Posted - 01/13/2025:  06:52:39

Really? Where? Someone above commented that they donated and got the message "your donation will benefit Charles Kamerman”. That means that Charles Kamerman is the beneficiary. You're right that he says the money is intended to support Arthur, but the GoFundMe was apparently created to give Mr. Kamerman control over the funds. My point is that unlike other GoFundMe's, there are no assurances that Arthur will actually receive the funds.

ELittle - Posted - 01/13/2025:  07:24:40

quote:

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Originally posted by ELittle

Where? 

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Ah, good news. The GoFundMe has been updated, and now does list Arthur as the beneficiary. All is well!

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/13/2025:  07:58:26

I had a lengthy conversation with Vickie Runyon's husband this morning. He's been friend and auto mechanic to Arthur for 35+ years. The amount of details and stories he shared, I'm comfortable this is legit.

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/13/2025:  10:34:56

I spoke with Arthur last night. We are trying to change the beneficiary to from me to Arthur.

Complicated by the fact that both of us are technology challenged and gofundme is a pain to deal with. I am hopeful if I can reach Arthur today I can get that process completed.

I am also trying to get Arthur to sign up with Zelle. His bank does support it. However, he doesn't do online banking so he has to seek help at his local branch.

Zelle would allow people to send money direct. He doesn't use PayPal or Venmo.

Here is his mailing address if anyone wants to send him a check.

Arthur Hatfield dba Hatfield Banjos
791 Burton Ridge Road
Glasgow KY, 42141

Rest assured, Arthur will get the money one way or another.

I am retired and don't require his donations to fund my life. He is excited and appreciates all the donations which broke $6000 this morning. Both of us thank everyone.

If anyone wants to discuss any ideas I am always available. Here as kodakcollector or messenger as chasmo kam

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/13/2025:  11:55:51

I spoke to Arthur again this morning. Received some new information. I am listed as the organizer and Arthur is now listed as the beneficiary.

ceemonster - Posted - 01/13/2025:  14:25:33

Thank you for your input and clarification. I see a second thread with direct information also. I will go.with one or another.

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/13/2025:  15:30:26

I posted the link on several banjo sites. As not everyone goes everywhere. Thanks.

gcpicken - Posted - 01/15/2025:  16:24:01

I saw an old post that said Jack's home and business were destroyed in the 2016 Great Smoky Mountains fire. 8-9 years later, this happens. That's some bad luck.

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/15/2025:  16:57:29

This one is for Arthur Hatfield. I'm not sure about Jack. However, I'm not familiar with the history.

Regardless. Definitely bad luck.

gcpicken - Posted - 01/16/2025:  17:49:19

quote:

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Originally posted by kodakcollector

This one is for Arthur Hatfield. I'm not sure about Jack. However, I'm not familiar with the history.



Regardless. Definitely bad luck.

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Sorry, I got confused.

chuckv97 - Posted - 01/17/2025:  13:14:19

Here’s the latest update
gofundme.com/f/help-arthur-reb...jo-legacy

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 01/30/2025:  14:35:32

I just spoke with Arthur. He said he is doing ok. Many may not know that Arthur has been the caregiver for an elderly aunt for many years. Arthur's aunt had to be moved into a nursing home. In addition to losing his wife, his health, the fire that destroyed his shop and all of his tools, Arthur is dealing with all the work regarding his aunt being placed in a nursing home.

The group, "Kentucky Just Us" is trying to locate a venue to hold a benefit concert for Arthur. I assume that grroup will post the information on their FB page when they finalize arrangements.

Arthur is grateful for any and all the condolences he has received.

Mad Hornet - Posted - 01/30/2025:  15:59:43

quote:

---

Originally posted by Realbluegrassfan

I just spoke with Arthur. He said he is doing ok. Many may not know that Arthur has been the caregiver for an elderly aunt for many years. Arthur's aunt had to be moved into a nursing home. In addition to losing his wife, his health, the fire that destroyed his shop and all of his tools, Arthur is dealing with all the work regarding his aunt being placed in a nursing home.



The group, "Kentucky Just Us" is trying to locate a venue to hold a benefit concert for Arthur. I assume that grroup will post the information on their FB page when they finalize arrangements.



Arthur is grateful for any and all the condolences he has received.

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Can you post details of that event here when they come available?  Many of us aren't on FB.

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 01/30/2025:  19:36:39

Anthony,



I would be glad to. I am sure it will be in, or around the Glasgow/Bowling Green Kentucky area.



"Kentucky Just Us" may be on other social media sites as well.



Thank you for asking.

Edited by - Realbluegrassfan on 01/30/2025 19:37:14

jswkingsfield - Posted - 01/31/2025:  16:26:20

Thank you to Charlie & Zack for publicizing this. Lately, I rarely see BHO posts, so apologies for coming late to this news. Check en route to Burton Ridge Road. Best wishes to Arthur! -- Janice

Edited by - jswkingsfield on 01/31/2025 16:36:29

kodakcollector - Posted - 01/31/2025:  17:39:51

Very welcome and thank you.

Dustyman - Posted - 02/05/2025:  01:36:06

Any updates on the rebuilding?
Thanks

kodakcollector - Posted - 02/05/2025:  02:45:13

Sorry I have been sick for a few weeks and have been sleeping more than communicating.

Donations to Gofundme have slowed, however, are at 48% of goal.

I will try to reach out to Arthur for an update. I believe a building was purchased and he is waiting for the weather to get better to start construction.

Best regards charlie

Dustyman - Posted - 02/05/2025:  04:02:15

Thank you Charlie

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 02/05/2025:  12:22:32

I have been informed that the benefit concert for Arthur Hatfield will be held on March 15th. The location will be the Glasgow, KY elementary school. Glasgow is outside of Bowling Green, KY. There are many things to do around Bowling Green if you want to spend the weekend. "Authentic Unlimited" will be performing on the 14th at the Bluegrass Museum and Hall of Fame in Owensboro, KY. Vocalist and guitarist with "Authentic Unlimited", John Meador's brother, Jesse Meador, is the banjoist and a vocalist with "Kentucky Just Us". "Kentucky Just Us" is the host for this benefit concert for Arthur.



I will post any updates that I am made aware of.

Edited by - Realbluegrassfan on 02/05/2025 12:26:35

kodakcollector - Posted - 02/05/2025:  12:48:31

Awesome. Charlie

Realbluegrassfan - Posted - 02/22/2025:  14:31:28

I spoke with Arthur again Thursday. The building has not been delivered as of that date. I let him know of a lathe for sale in his area. I have tried to send the poster for the benefit concert to Sherry to be published here. For some reason, it does not seem to be goinig through. I am going to try and send it to Sherry again. I saw that a fellow in O'boro, KY has one of Arthur's "Feud" banjos for sale. That model is one of only 25 to be produced.