Letter From Dave Shutts

From Dave Shutts

Businessmen Sax Player

For many years I have felt that I was already on the “receiving end” of the
Businessmen rewards machine.  Playing real honest-to-God music with real
honest-to-God musicians on a real stage with real lights, a real sound
system, and real fans has always been such a high for me that it wasn’t
unusual for me to forget that the whole thing was actually for someone else
(or a charity) and not me.   For many years I have been loudly singing the
praises of the Businessmen organization, whose efforts have poured many
thousands of dollars into local and national charities – not to mention the
many individual benefits and causes within our very own communities.  For
many years I have humbly shook my head staring at my shoes in amazement that
I actually was able to play a very small part in this organization with a
heart bigger than the sum of its members.

For many years I have watched from stage left countless grateful charity
spokespersons and celebrities say cracking-voice thank-yous, loving mom’s
embrace their critically ill sons, and individuals in need give teary-eyed
monologues on how their lives are so much richer because of something as
simple as Businessmen music, but it is so much more than the music.

You folks really touched me more than I ever thought possible – and without
taking the stage or playing a single note.  Sending a Businessmen casserole
would have been very thoughtful.  Ordering a family-size pizza for me and
the kids would have been way too kind.  In fact, the simple phone calls were
so deeply appreciated.  But in true Businessmen fashion, you folks did it up
big and bought an entire Italian restaurant for me and my kids. and
delivered it straight to my kitchen (thank you Jen and Daniel).  There are
many people in the world with true needs or at the very least, whose needs
far exceed mine.  But in a very selfish way, I feel so grateful for your
kindness that I am actually wallowing in your generosity and truly breathing
sighs of relief knowing that mealtimes are NOT looming “to dos” for me
during my recovery.  Though I’m still a bit weak, cooking didn’t really seem
to be that big of a deal – until today when I realized I didn’t have to
worry about it for 6 months! LOL  You folks have managed to reduce my stress
level even further – and THAT is no easy feat.  I know my doctor is very
grateful.  I am even MORE grateful.  And I know my kids are too.

These past 6 months have really tested my resolve and mettle in life.
Words really can’t begin to express how much your generosity means to me
during these crazy and stressful times.  Aside from the positive emotional
aspect of your 100-pound care package, you guys really made my life a whole
lot easier during my recovery — thankfully I have a 2nd refrigerator and
freezer.  And despite enjoying the BMEN rewards all those years, I got to
enjoy a whole new level of rewards today.  I got to join the ranks of those
recipients thanking the Businessmen for changing my life, for making me feel
loved, and for selflessly reaching out and caring for not just me, but my
kids as well.  Sometimes, you don’t realize how badly you need a handshake,
a punch in the arm, or a hug — until you get one… or 16.

My deepest heart-felt thanks to all of you!  You guys rock and are still the
best.

Dave Shutts