DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES — Bloom's General Store is a landmark in the Arts District. Its proprietor, Joel Bloom, is just the same. I've often wished I had his booming voice, one that never needed a microphone in the time we served together on the DLANC board.

For years Joel has battled cancer, and friends in the Arts District community are putting together a fundraiser to help him out in that fight. Ed posts the details over at View from a Loft:

The final date is here: Joel Bloom's fundraiser will take place at LA Artshare March 17th - 7pm - midnightish. LA ARTshare is in the heart of the Arts District and across the street (and down the corner) from Joel Bloom's store. There will be full bar, raffle, silent auction and a special appearance Performance by The Devil Dogs -- and other surprises. Artists are welcome to donate artworks for the silent auction and local businesses to donate raffle items. Also for people that are really low on funding, even donating to stock up the bar helps to bump up the revenues for Joel.

The post on Ed's site also includes contact information for those wanting more details. This is definitely a cause worthy of marking down on the calendar.