David Thomas Benefit

Barely minutes after 2 in the afternoon and the band is already 20 minutes into a set as part of their tuning.  With the  conclusion of Bob Seger's "Come to papa" fading in the background, the noise from the people milling about fills the room.  Idle chatter replacing loud music.

An hour passes.  The room is now full of unfamiliar faces eager to support a young man finally on the road to recovery after a serious workplace accident almost took his life and left him in a medically induced coma for over a month.  Laughter in the distance between old and new friends is comforting.  The smell of steak on the barbecue is beginning to waft through the doors and wrap itself around the room.

Looking thin, pale and moving ever-so-slowly, David Thomas enters the room and greets everyone along his path to his seat.  Many hugs, handshakes and at least one teary pair of eyes greeted him.

He didn't come alone.  With him entered a seemingly endless entourage of friends, filtering into the already crowded room.  Finding seats wherever they can.  The noise level has noticeably increased.  Excited chatter!  The crowds collective sigh of relief on finally seeing with their own eyes, the young man who fought so hard to live and who continues to work hard to get better.

It was only moments before everyone found somewhere to sit and settled in for the meal which would be served shortly.   People lined up politely and waited as wait staff served steak to each guest or pasta (for the children), then all proceeded in neat rows to the tables full of salads, potatoes and other 'fixings'.     

The mood was light and friendly.  By the time desserts were served, prizes were being picked and given to the winners.  Many donated gift certificates, televisions and other goodies from local businesses who came through for this young man.  It wasn't long before the speeches were presented and the band played thunderous melodies to entertain David and all the guests in attendance. 

It was a wonderful day, with a wonderful turn-out, for a wonderful man and a great cause.




The event was held at Oasis Lounge on Forest Glade Drive, Windsor.  The band members are Mark Chichkan (lead guitar/vocals) , Mike Chichkan (drums), Mitch Taylor (base guitar) -- collectively they are known as United Snakes.