TCB
By Christopher Gray, Fri., July 23, 2004
Safe Passage
After many months of planning, the Handsome Joel Foundation, named for much-missed, perpetually smiling Red River doorman/stage manager "Handsome" Joel Svatek, is official. The foundation got its article of incorporation in the mail Friday, two days after the board installed Angie Jones as president, Joe Sebastian as vice-president, and Jenn Wheeler as secretary (they're still seeking a treasurer). Once the foundation gets its nonprofit application sorted out, Wheeler says, they can finally focus on putting their much-discussed Safe Ride Home program into action. If all goes as planned, Safe Ride will be a system of cab vouchers available at local bars, with the foundation picking up the tab. Fundraising efforts begin on July 30 at Room 710 with a show featuring Honky, the Lower Class Brats, Oklahomos, Dickens, and Shiv. An Arclight Records compilation is also in the making. "It's something we've been thinking about for a year and a half," says Wheeler. "To see it come to life is awesome." The foundation's next meeting is 2pm Sunday, Aug. 8 at Lovejoy's, and open to the public. In related Joel news, the intoxication manslaughter trial connected with Svatek's death last January starts Tuesday at the Travis County Criminal Justice Center. Call Victim's Services at 845-9449 for updates; the case number is 02030382.
