Alicia's House 2007 Part Three

Note: I would like to dedicate this week's column to Rob Moore, my webmaster of many years. He is facing some health issues. Please remember him in your prayers tonight and, if you have a moment, drop him a small note to [email protected] and let him know that he is "THE MAN"--Percival

Reflecting back on good times is something that I enjoy a lot. Being with friends that I can almost call family is another thing about life that I enjoy.

My recent trip to Crete, Illinois and the Lincolnshire Country Club was not only a pleasure but an honor to be part of. Crete is a community founded in 1836 and is rather unique to the Chicago metropolitan area. Located just 30 miles south of the Loop in Will County, Crete has maintained its small town charm while growing to nearly 8,000 residents. With award-winning schools, low crime, beautiful parks, lush natural preserved areas, and more than six golf courses within a short drive, Crete continues to be a magnet for upscale residential development and new commercial projects.

The neighboring city of Peotone, where my friend Paul Farber was police chief, shares some ideas with Crete on development and maintenance on a regular basis. They also have many businesses that contribute to Alicia's House in more than one way each year. One of the dealerships there sent over some of their 2008 vehicles to be test driven during the Golf Outing. Nearly $500 was donated by Chrysler to Alicia's House for participation in their Ride and Drive event. I drove a new Jeep during the day and was very impressed by it's performance, but I guess I am just spoiled by my Grand Marquis.

Following the meet and greet session, where nearly 1,000 people came to see the legends and icons that Alicia's House had brought in, we readied ourselves for a great meal. Following a short prayer by Evangelist Ricky Smith, we went to the lines where the food was being served in a buffet style atmosphere.

I chose some shrimp, meatloaf, mashed potatoes & gravy, along with vegetables. I also had a side plate of onions, three bean salad and onions for my meal. Coffee, tea and milk were served at the tables. I once again had the pleasure of sitting next to Milt Pappas, a baseball legend from the Chicago Cubs.

After the meal was over, Juan proceeded to introduce many of his students from his Karate School. Many of his students are in national competition after only a short time in his classes. Juan follows a concept of not charging for his knowledge of Karate handed down to him by Master John Sharkey, an 8th degree Black Belt holder. All of the students are taught respect for everyone they come in contact with.

Juan then began to introduce all the people at the front table. I thought that he would start with Milt, as he was at the end of our table, but, instead, he started with me. He spoke of how I had befriended him some five years earlier during a trip to Newton, Iowa for the Hall of Fame inductions. He talked about how I was one of the two people that elevated him into the CAC in the Martial Arts category and how much that meant to his life.

He also spoke about the many people that I have managed in my illustrious career, naming Black Angus, Harley Race, Roger Kirby and many more. He spoke about my dedication in life of helping others and being there whenever he needed me for one of his functions. He welcomed me with open arms to the capacity crowd with a thunderous applause.

I took the opportunity to, first of all, thank Alicia's House for thinking so highly of me in having me back for a fourth time. My love for Juan and Stella is one that will never end while I am able to draw air in my lungs. I also took the opportunity to comment about being in Dallas and going to Arlington to be a part of a huge wrestling event there. I then spoke about the response from the wrestling fans when I told them that all the proceeds from the sale of my pictures that night would be donated to Alicia's House in September.

It was then that I walked to the podium and said to Juan, "I would like to make this donation, but let me round it off to an even $100." Juan proceeded to tell the crowd how much food that money would buy to help feed the hungry.

Next, Juan called upon the biggest man in the crowd. The nearly 7-foot Russian Brute rose to accolades by Juan about his amazing career, not only in wrestling, but in business as well. He also thanked the Brute for coming in on such short notice from his home in Nevada. Brute then astonished the audience by stating that we might be icons and legends here at this front table, but we are human beings as well, and he walked over to Juan and said that he would like to match my donation to help in his own way.

Dave "Supermouth" Burzynski was honored next in line and received a wonderful admiration from the entire room. He commented that this made the long trip from Detroit an easy trip.

Lee Roupas was next to be honored. Many in the room were very familiar with this young man and neighbor. He is the spokesmodel for the Illinois campaign of WE CARD HARD to prevent underage sale of alcohol to minors. Lee is an inspirational speaker to many groups and does personal fitness training. He also competes in Natural Bodybuilding Championships and has won many titles.

Paul Christy and Bunny Love were scheduled to be at the banquet. They had to leave early on business, but they left a note along with a donation to Alicia's House expressing their gratitude for inviting them to the event again.

The Smiths, Ricky and Terri, were next to be introduced and took their spot in the celebration by thanking all that had attended. These super people were the first to help raise money for Alicia's House when they drove nonstop from their home in Texas to be a part of the first event five years ago. They now live just outside of Nashville in Goodlettsville, Tennessee, where they are involved in music and the ministry.

They have a My Space web site at http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=93744712; please stop and visit them there.

Last, Juan introduced the main guest that night, Milt Pappas, who is more than just a legend in Chicago. Juan talked for nearly five minutes, giving all the accomplishments that this Superman of the pitching mound had done in his long career. I was amazed at the numbers and all the things that Milt had been involved in.

When Milt stood to take his bow, everyone at the front table rose and clapped our hands for this good guy. We also waved at everybody to extend this standing ovation to a well deserved icon. The crowd agreed, and, soon, all were standing and applauding.

Juan took the opportunity to announce the winners of the George Gunderson and Rose Rodgers memorial awards and then asked Milt to help in giving awards to the audience for various stages of helping Alicia's House. Juan surprised Milt by honoring him with an award too, much to the delight of the audience.

An auction was held, and "Turd" stepped up to the plate and generated over $2000 for the event with the sale of items like a hand signed poster from the TV series "The Sopranos." There were a lot of items that went during the silent auction, including a car donated by a local body shop.

Alicia's House continues to grow and help the hungry with donations for food and gifts at Christmas time so that kids and families don't have to be without. Juan and Stella have put in many documented and many extra hours into a love that helps others during a tough time in their lives. If you would like to help in your own way, you may contact them at www.aliciashouse.org.

Please tell them that I sent you and that we send our love.

Percival A. Friend, Retired
The Epitome of Wrestling Managers

2003 BWC Hall of Fame Inductee
2004 CAC Hall of Fame Inductee
2006 LWA Hall of Fame Inductee
2007 TCCW Hall of Fame Honoree