My father
served in the US Army as a Trumpet player. The band he played
in included Hal Linden, TV's Barney Miller, playing Sax. After
the Army, he returned to playing weddings and other occasions,
and summers in the Catskills. He eventually dropped that, but
continued playing by working with a local community theatre company.
He also owned a small business selling, installing and repairing
automotive stereo systems.
His
dream was to one day donate his services, to play in the band
that works on the Jerry Lewis Muscular Distrophy Telethon.
He worked
his car radio business to the point where he could sell it and
retire. In addition to having more time for the family, part
of his plan was to have more time to devote to his trumpet playing,
and to one day make the grade and get on the Telethon.
My father died from the complications of Leukemia, one day before
the sale of his business was finalized. He was 49.
Jump
ahead several years...
I'm
a member of an on-line DJ chat forum. One of the other members
mentioned that he had just done the Relay For Life in his town.
I asked what he was talking about. A short conversation later
and I was on the American Cancer Society's web site, learning
all about it. Most importantly, I learned that the Relays in
my area were just a couple months away.
A few
phone calls and emails later, and I had volunteered for the
2003 Relay For Life to be held at the Mahwah High School football
field in Mahwah, NJ.
The
Relay bagan at 5:00pm Friday evening, and scheduled to end at
about 10:00am Saturday morning. I was scheduled for 17 hours.
If this job had been for a regular customer, my price would
have been about five times my normal rate. I donated 100%. I
received nothing except a T-Shirt. I wear it with pride.
In 2004
it moved to Glen Rock and starts even earlier in the day. I
continue to donate my entertainment services each year.
It's
not the Jerry Lewis Telethon, but it's an equally worthy
cause. My father would be proud.
This
one's for you, Dad.
Return to DJ Teddy Bear's Worthy
Causes page.
