Crowdfunding underway to support Randyland
Fundraiser aims to keep message of N. Side folk art attraction alive
Friends and fans of Randyland have raised money for its co-creators before, and they’re doing it again, to help with expenses and to honor one of the men who died last week.
Randy Gilson’s partner, David Paul Francis “Mac” McDermott, died Jan. 10 from prostate cancer at age 60. Both men became wellliked for transforming an abandoned North Side house — at 1501 Arch St. in the Mexican War Streets neighborhood — into a renowned folk art attraction and explosion of color.
Mr. McDermott’s prostate cancer was diagnosed in 2016 and in remission in 2017 when supporters raised $21,600 — twice as much as planned — via GoFundMe.com to pay for a bucket-list vacation that took him and Mr. Gilson to the Grand Canyon and Los Angeles.
The current GoFundMe fundraiser aims to raise $10,000 to help Mr. Gilson with expenses. “Both Mac and Randy have been a staple in the North Side Community and Pittsburgh area for years promoting love, prosperity, and art,” notes the donation page. “If you have ever visited Randyland, you will know the magic that both Mac and Randy have always radiated as they welcome everyone from all walks of life. We ask that you support our beloved friend, neighbor and community at this time.”
In Mr. McDermott’s news obituary Monday in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Mr. Gilson said that Mr. McDermott had been cremated and no memorial had yet been planned, but, he said, “In the summer, when it’s nice we’ll have some kind of Mac Day.”
The fundraiser was started by the nonprofit Mexican War Streets Society, and as of Tuesday afternoon, had reached more than a fifth of its $10,000 goal. The society’s program chair, Danny Haas, said the funds raised are “really for whatever [Mr. Gilson] needs. We just want to make sure he can continue the message of Randyland.”
A benefit for Randyland is scheduled for 8 p.m. to midnight Jan. 26 at the Young Men’s Republican Club at 631 Suismon St. on the North Side. The event will feature live classic rock by Three Sides and food and raffle baskets. All proceeds will go to Randyland.
The GoFundMe page as well as Randyland’s Facebook page reflected an outpouring of condolences and well-wishes for Mr. Gilson. On Saturday, the Facebook page noted, “Randyland will remain open daily from 10 a.m.-dusk. Please enjoy the courtyard, but please do not knock on our door. Randy is currently overwhelmed and needs some private time to mourn.”
For more information: https://randy.land.