March 31, 2016 was a special night and many stars came out to the Sons of Italy in Methuen. The occasion was to roast yours truly and it was a sellout with people from all over the Valley and beyond in attendance.
The idea to stage this event was brought up by John Mele, a member of the lodge and a semi-retired teacher and graduate of Central Catholic and Merrimack College. John, a big fan of high school hoop we see each other often at CCH games.
Without my knowledge he recruited my close and dear friend Bob Sheehan to assist him. Bob (I guess he is not busy enough in his towing company) not only jumped in but opted to be the toastmaster. These two were doing their homework long before John contacted me for my ok to run this event. My first reaction was to refuse but when two standup guys are going to the wall for you how do you say no. The cherry on the top was all proceeds after expenses would go to my charity which is the Canal St. Boxing Club of Lawrence. Now it hit me that I could help my two young friends Bugsy and Daisy Martinez who operate a first rate boxing and fitness club.
In my talks with John and Bob I found out these guys weren’t kidding as tickets were already being printed, the hall reserved and guest roasters were already lined up.
While making my daily rounds and telling some friends about this roast I readily admitted I was pretty nervous and in fact downright scared.
People pooh poohed my being scared and tried to boost me.
I thought for quite a while that if we drew 50 people we’d be doing all right, I swear to God.
When John decided that no tickets would be sold at the door on the night of the event I was not so sure that was a good idea, but never having been part of planning an event of this scope I kept my big mouth shut. It was Mr Mele’s call.
The tickets came out and Mele and Sheehan were in high gear and now there was surely no turning back.
Now tables were being sold not just single tickets and the numbers were rising and I’m thinking maybe 50 is in reach and maybe 60. Tickets were only available at Sheehan’s Towing and the Sons of Italy Lodge.
As the date got close tickets were getting real scarce and at the last week there were none to be had at all. Talk was we’ll have a 100 people and now I’m a complete basket case with frayed nerves and hearing of some of the people who were coming had my nerves severely frayed. I am not kidding!
Finally the count was 150 people, some people paid and couldn’t attend and we still had standing room only.
The buffet was ziti and meatballs; it was pure Italian and excellent.
To try to name all these people who honored me by being part of this event would take too many pages here and I wouldn’t want to miss anyone and hurt feelings and blemish what everyone said was a great night.
Taking deserved bows should be John Mele, Bob Sheehan, special guest Mickey Ward the great former world boxing champ, Channel 4 sportscaster Dan Roche and his wife Pam a Methuen Hall of Famer.
Ward had pictures taken and signed many autographs for his many fans. Roche showed he hasn’t lost his sense of humor with some pretty funny lines as he took his turn to roast me.
My bosses at Rumbo, Alberto & Dalia were busy taking photos of the many other stars that helped make this a night for all to remember.
Special kudos to Dalia who produced a box of Kleenex because I told her I might cry. She also gave me a box of crayons to let the crowd know that I tell everyone that I sent all my Rumbo stories to her written in crayon.
She delivered the knock out punched when she gave me a book she had published with many of my stories from the newspaper. What a surprise! How about this: she announced these books are for sale and the proceeds would go to the gym. How big is that? Not many people can render me speechless but she pulled it off.
I probably shouldn’t say this but in my whole life this is the first woman I’ve ever known who has kept a secret (about the book) for so long while compiling information and interviews.
The book is so professional, the covers were designed by Marc Lemay, and people lined up to purchase copies at the end of the night. Can anyone of you readers picture an 8th grader signing autographs? Well, I have a lot of witnesses on this night.
Everyone had not a good time but a great time. I even lost my heebie jeebies!
Get this: we raised almost $2,000 for the gym with the total for the book sale still to come. The books sell for $15 dollars and you can call Bugsy or Daisy at the gym to purchase one. The number is 978/303-5298.
I sincerely want to thank all who were involved in this tremendous event, and to the ones who couldn’t attend but sent donations. I really think in many cases thanks is not enough and this is one of those times. If any of you readers can tell me a better word please feel free to educate me.
With all of the great episodes I’ve had in my life thanks to any of the people that attended this from far and away, the most amazing coaching legends that filled the room, teachers and former great athletes including many Hall of Famers that helped me along the way – including many old time pals that I grew up with – makes this a great highlight film for me.
One final request from me, tonight before retiring and checking out the mirror accept my thanks again and know how pleased and proud you made this guy who is now the legitimate Frank Benjamin.
