Doing the right thing - Making connections, building relationships, making money

The regulars from the Ways and Means Committee were sitting in the barbershop solving
the world's problems as they usually do, when a gentleman entered.
He said "I’m looking for Bobby White."
Dropout said, "He’s not here, but maybe one of us can help you."
The gentleman said, "My name is Albert. I grew up in this area and I know the good work that the West End Sports Association has been doing for the youth in low-income areas in Montreal by helping them get into colleges and universities. I want to help."
The barber said "Albert? Is that your name?"
"Yes," he replied. "My name is Albert,"
The barber said, "Do you know anybody from down here?  You said you grew up here, so who do you know?”
Albert replied, "When I grew up here, one of my closest friends was a guy named Aubrey
Merriman."
One of the regulars of the Ways and Means Committee heard that and asked, "What is your visible source of income?"
Albert said, "I'm the president of one of the unions at the Port of Montreal."
The barber made a phone call. Within 15 minutes Bob White appeared at the barbershop, and Albert and Bob White started talking. Everyone in the barbershop became quiet and listened to the conversation:
They talked about a golf tournament organized to help the youth in the low income areas,
as the West End Sports Association has been doing for decades.  Albert said: "I can help you
if you use your resources."
"What resources?" Bob White asked.
Albert replied, "Don’t you have resources that you have acquired throughout the last 25 years?"
Bob White said, "If I do this golf tournament with you it has to be a success because I will not do
anything that will be a failure."
With that, Bob White left the barbershop with his friend Albert. They then established the date for the tournament , September 3rd, 2009. He returned a week later and said: "Did you hear what Albert said?  Use your resources."
One of the regulars of the Ways  and Means Committee said  "Yeah, yeah, yeah. And what did you do?"
Bob smiled and said, "What I did was take my friend Albert to the Silver Star Mercedes Benz
dealership  which sells the most Mercedes in Canada, and the owner donated a Mercedes Benz
to the West End Sports Association for the Hole In One. 
Then I called the Toronto Blue Jays and they sent some autographed jerseys and baseballs and hats from the manager Cito Gaston. He is one of the few managers in baseball history to win two world series back to back.
I also called the Cincinnati Reds; they sent some autographed jerseys  and hats from the
manager Dusty Baker.
The NHL Washington Capitals sent an autographed goalie stick from José Theodore. Johnny Rogers, the former great football player and 1972 Heisman Trophy winner, sent an autographed football with 15 Heisman trophy winners on the football.
Many other prizes were donated to the West End Sports Association.
During the tournament auction, the most valuable item sold was the football – to Dr. Dexter Johnson.
The same ball during Superbowl weekend has been known to sell for $20,000-30,000. Dr.Keith Matthews and Gary Matthews along with George Grant, along with representatives from other professions, such as dentists, doctors, accountants and other professionals attended. They, along with an impressive line-up of sponsors helped make the golf tournament a huge success.
Two weeks prior, the New York Giants and the New England Patriots inquired about the tournament and
said they would send some of their players for next year’s event.
Hall of famer Laurence Taylor of the New York Giants said to contact him earlier, and if he isn’t booked he would be glad to come to Montreal.
Dr. Anita Brown Johnson won a trophy – a real trophy, not a JIVE trophy. Next year, the trophies will be bigger and better. The same kind that were given to those who participated in swimming and water polo tournaments in Montreal in the 1950s and 1960s.
Legendary jazz pianist Oliver Jones (Order of Canada), who could’ve been on an engagement anywhere in the world, came to the tournament with Dr. Dexter Johnson and his wife Dr. Anita Brown Johnson.   Oliver, a long-time supporter of the West End Sports Association, was presented with an award for his musical achievements. He's a boyhood friend of Bob White both of whom grew up in St. Henri.
One of the regulars of the ways and means committee said, "Sounds like a success."
Bob said, "It was a big success, especially for a first-time tournament. Now all the sponsors are phoning us. They want to be a part of the next one.”
The gift bags were like those given out at the Academy Awards.  PGA golf shirts, Cobra hats and a wide variety of gifts from our generous sponsors. The golfers loved the tournament . Dr. Ashby (well-known Montreal dentist) called it a first class tournament.
After playing golf on a beautiful sunny day, they went to the club house and ate steak and
drank wine and talked of the great time they had.
Between the auction, the Mercedes Benz prize for the Hole In One, and pictures taken with legendary Oliver Jones, a fabulous time was had by all.
All the golfers are looking forward to what is sure to become an annual tournament. The second one promises more celebrities, more prizes… on a larger scale.
The Ways and Means Committee said, "Well Bob, it's a good thing that you listened to your friend
Albert and applied what he said and used your resources. It's a lesson for all: “Life is not a rehearsal."
With that, Bob White left the barbershop on a mission: To continue doing good in the
Community.
After all, he's busy with the Christmas Basket Drive, preparing to deliver food and toys to those in need in lower income areas.