46 people pledged. Total money (goods and services) raised was nearly $5,500.00

The following was an October 2002 article by Orlando Sentinel Columnist, Jim Abbot

Although Blue Meridian claims a place on the short list of Orlando bands with legitimate career potential, the band is still overcoming the harsh economic realities of the record business.
The band's upcoming Minerva release, on the drawing board for over a year, is now facing another delay if Blue Meridian can't raise $12,000 to pay for the studio time and production.
Nevertheless, the band is plunging ahead, recording tracks at Phat Planet Recording studios with producer Mark Mason (Mark is the albums engineer. Minerva was is produced by frontman, Donovan Lyman). The 12 songs (14 songs) are slated to be ready by Dec. 1.

Meanwhile, lead singer Donovan Lyman has launched a PBS-style pledge drive on bluemeridian.net with a tier of rewards based on generosity. For each donation of $50 or more the prizes are:
1) A personalized "My Minerva" T-shirt;
2) An official "Associate Producer" credit on the album sleeve.
3) A ticket to the band's CD-release event in December.
4) An invitation to a private party with free servings of the bands "Helly Bock Beer".
The fan who donates the most money will be recognized as "Executive Producer" on the album credits. No word on whether that includes creative control.

Jim Abbot
Orlando Sentinel
Oct 11, 2002

The following is the "My Minerva" page is it appeared on this website during the pledge drive.

We are still seeking Blue Meridian fans to fill a number of important positions on the current album project, "Minerva." The band has 14 compositions in the works. They've already spent 2 solid weeks in the recording studio working on them. Our goal is to have Minerva out by the 1st of December this year. The project is taking a tad longer than we anticipated (the more time you spend, the better it sounds, the more money it costs)

We are seeking any donation (If every fan of the band put in $2 we'd have enough to make an incredible album), but for donations of $50 or more there's a prize pack. Each individual (or company) that offers more than $49.99 will receive a commemorative Blue Meridian T-shirt. We're calling it the "MY Minerva". Each donor's name printed boldly on the back (see examples below). (Note: anyone wishing to remain anonymous, may do so) They will also get an official album credit with the title of "Associate Producer," Free admission to the Minerva CD Release Party (Slated for early Dec) and an invitation to a private party (in Nov) where snacks and FREE unlimited Helly Bock (Blue Meridian's Very own BEER) will be served (open only to Associate Producers).

The individual or company that makes the largest donation will be given the exclusive title of "Executive Producer." The list of Associate Producers will be grouped together and listed from the 2nd largest donation on down. (Note: when the generosity increases, so do the thanks, i.e., shirts, invites, admission, etc.)

It's interactive. It's fun, but most of all it will be an unprecedented measure of generosity from our amazing base of fans and friends. Every little bit helps so we're asking kindly for your help (every little bit of it) to make this album finally happen. Minerva is going to be an amazing album, but we can't do it without you. A million thanks in advance! Note: Donations must be received by Friday, Nov 1, 2002 (cash, check, credit cards all accepted). But PLEASE send an email now to MyMinerva2002@aol.com with your donation amount (you may increase the amount at anytime prior to 11/1). You will receive a reply with instructions on how to pay and where/how to collect the rewards for your generosity.