I'm the one who has been charged with contacting St. Jude's but I need to give them a time frame to better coordinate exactly how to "dispose" of the guitar.
I have asked for time frames but have been unable to get a clear answer. Given the variety of responses, may I assume that the guitar is underway but not far enough along to estimate a completion date (year and season would be close enough)?
If anyone wonders why I don't simply tell them what we are doing, the reason is simple. I have worked with charities in the past and if they smell blood (or money!
) we (read: me) will be hounded for a date which means I'll be hounding you and I don't want to do that. You might throw things at me 
.
Don't get me wrong, I appreciate what St Jude's does very highly but I am familiar with the auxillaries that stage the fundraisers and auctions (both silent and live). They set goals and pity the poor soul who gets in their ways (At this point, let me point out that my wife of 28 years is one such fundraiser so please don't take my observations too seriously).
Ideally, the guitar would be completed at a time where it could be auctioned via eBay at Christmas 2006 under the auspices of St. Jude's. The auction would receive prominence and (hopefully!) some notoriety. They, not we have the ability, should it exist to get some press on other than at local level. Let's face it, this noteriety would be good for all concerned but especially the kids because it would mean more money.
That is my plan, if anyone has a better idea please feel free to PM me (if I won't want to hear it!
)
Regards to all and my congrats to those who are contributing their time and labor. I know how precious those limited resources are...
Steve Brown