Hello Friends and Supporters of Matthew Johnston!

[scuba diving Matt]

We are just weeks away from the February 18 fundraiser event at the Underwater Adventures Aquarium at the Mall of America. I first wanted to thank each and everyone of you that has purchased tickets, donated silent suction items, and made individual donations to supporting the Diving a Dream () initiative. Your continued support has allowed for amazing achievements by Matt...from a dream of 2-10 feet for just a few minutes after having not been in the water for more than 10 years,  to spending a full hour underwater, achieved in just over a year's time. This has been no small feat, as many obstacles including equipment, communications, training, liability, and others stood in the way, only to be overcome by the pioneer and explorer that we have all grown to support.

Second, I want to pass on information relating to the February 18 event:

Tickets/Admission
If you have purchased tickets, thank you. There will be a guest list at the entrance to the Underwater Adventures Aquarium. When you check in, you will receive a small packet of information on Matt's project, the fundraiser schedule, and instructions on the silent auction. Your ticket allows admission to the Aquarium all day during their regular admission hours. Be sure to check out their awesome exhibits! Matt's event room will only be open from 2-6PM. For those of you coming from out of town, please visit for assistance with hotels, meals, other entertainment, and attractions in the Bloomington area.

For those who have not yet purchased tickets...the last day to purchase tickets online will be February 15. Please visit to purchase your tickets. For entry on the day of the event, you will have to purchase admission to the aquarium at an adjusted rate of $30, which allows entry into Matt's event room.

More than 120 tickets have been sold, so I expect an outstanding turnout. Be sure to buy your tickets if you haven't yet, and get to the event early for a good seat during our presentations.

Tentative schedule
The following is the tentative schedule for the 2-6PM event:

2-3PM: social time to meet Matt, his sponsors, friends, family, and our keynote speakers. This is also a great time to place bids on silent auction items. Refreshments will include soft drinks, coffee, water, and a variety of snacks.

3-5PM: -welcoming remarks and an overview of Matt's project by Michael Lombardi, Executive Director of Project Innerspace
                -introductions of our speakers by Chris Conagala, UPN
                -short presentation by the Diveheart Foundation
                -short presentation by Susan Long of DUI
                -introduction and a few words from Matt 'Persistence' Johnston
                -introduction of, and presentation by Explorer Mr.. John Chatterton          (), star of the History Channel's
                Deep        Sea Detectives
                -closing remarks

5-6PM: social time, final opportunity to place bids on silent auction items

Silent Auction/Donations
A large number of items for the silent auction have been donated. many thanks to Going Under Dive Center for their outstanding contributions to this event, and sponsorship. Items range from discounts for dive travel, to dive equipment including BC's regulators, lights and more, artwork from David Dunleavy and other well-respected marine artists, and more...

You need to be present to make a bid as well as take possession at the end of the fundraiser.  Cash and/or checks will be accepted for payment(s) on the winning bid.

Matthew Johnston 'Diving a Dream' t-shirts will be available for sale for $20 each. We will be accepting checks and cash only for t-shirt sales. We have a limited supply, so get there early to buy a t-shirt! We also have a limited edition t-shirt featuring Matt's sponsors that has been produced and donated by Zazzle () . These will be available as an auction item.

We will be accepting other donations by check and cash at the event via a private donation box. Please make checks out to "Project Innerspace" with a "Diving a Dream" in the memo of the check.

Sponsorship
This event is officially sponsored by Going Under Dive Center, Project innerspace, the Underwater Adventures Aquarium, and the Diveheart Foundation. Interested sponsors should contact me directly at explore@projectinnerspace.org .


We're going to have an amazing venue on the 18th, and I look forward to finally meeting all of you, as we come together to support Matt's Dream (coming true!) and demonstrating the true collective influence that our great industry has in the community. We should all extend our thanks to Matt, for the opportunity to bring us all together to share in his Dream...


Thank you again for your outstanding contributions and support.
See you soon!

Mike
Michael Lombardi
Executive Director
Project Innerspace

h  o  p  e  .  .  .

[wtdrm]

GUDC still has some tickets.
Dont miss it.