What can I say, I am blessed. I have been a huge fan of the Wire from day one. Honestly the only reason I started watching the show was after noticing J.D. Williams (Bodie) in a preview. I was a fan of OZ at the time so I was happy to see J.D. in another project. So, not having any other introduction or knowledge of the show, I sat my ass down in my lazy boy. That same ass have been planted in front of my TV every Sunday of every night the Wire has aired for damn near 5 years now.
I will spare you all details of my love for the show, if you are reading this you also have the same love. When I heard about the Ella Thompson Fund auction held every year I made it a personal mission to attend. Funds were tight the first events but when I heard 2007 would be the last year the time to strike was at hand.
The auction was fucking amazing. To be in the same room with so many people I respected was a feeling that can not be put into words. I started off with a tour of the set and I have to say the Mayors office was amazing. I was tempted to run over and sit in the Carcettis chair but it was too early in the night to get escorted out by security, I was on a mission.
The silent auction was nerve racking for me. They had so many things for auction I could not commit to anything. Omar's duster was up for grabs but I knew that would be a really high priced item but when I saw Omar's prison shank from season 4 I had to have it. The only problem was David Simon kept out bidding me! He really wanted that shank, no joke. At $500 I bowed out, I had something else in mind at that point.
After the silent auction left me in the wake of defeat, the live auction begins. I find the best spot I can, clear my throat and wait for the bidding. The first thing for auction was a speaking part on The Wire. As Bodie would say "It's on". The bidding starts at $2,000 and like a reflex my arm shoots in the air. In a matter of seconds they are up to $5,000 and I'm still in. Right around the 7k mark it was between me and someone who I could not see from my vantage.
At 9k David Simon promised not one but two lines to sweeten up the pot. At 10k I'm getting nervous, I'm way over my limit and I can't continue. At $10,500 I'm done and second place is not was I was looking for.
Recouped and regained after the devastating blow the next auction begins. This time its an Extra role in the show. Just as last time its between me and another person I can't see. At 8k the other bidder started hesitating and I knew I was close. With all eyes on me, sweat dripping down my forehead, I place another 10k bid. With everything on the table I wait for the other bidders response, nothing. "Going once! Going Twice! (insert long dramatic pause).
I win and all at once every emotion I have ever felt punched me in the stomach. I'm glad I kept my composure but inside I was doing the Super Bowl Shuffle. A very lovely and nice lady crept into the crowd to confirm the win and after the applause over an intense auction they moved on to the next. It was hot and I needed fresh air so I went outside to regain my senses.
The night ends and I managed to meet almost every actor that attended, I was in a bidding war with David Simon for a prison shank and I walked away with a extra part on my favorite show. Even though I took a huge hit to the wallet and was forced to eat a lot of ramen noodles for awhile is was worth every penny.
The Ella Thompson Fund is a great cause and I wish I could donate more. Even though it was extremely dumb of me financially to spend that much loot, I regret nothing. The Night at the Wire was one of the greatest times of my life only to be topped by my Day at the Wire, but thats another story. Lets just say I'm glad I did not get the speaking part because they gave me an extra role that would be an honer for any fan. 
I'll be back on the details of that trip soon, I have to hold back on full details and pictures until the final episode airs but keep an eye out. Peace.
