With all that is wrong within our nation and around the world, there are still moments and events where good people celebrate and support others. There are people who volunteer their time; with kids, with the elderly, with folks less fortunate.
This past Saturday the pub where I play held a benefit for one of our friends who is battling cancer.
The Hospitality Industry is a unique group of people who don’t always enjoy the benefits of our neighbors who have “real” jobs. There is seldom insurance, job security can be a laugh, and the minimum wage they debate and discuss in Washington has little in common with the pittance most bartenders and waitresses receive along with their tips.
So when folks heard about our event in support of a friend who has worked as a chef as far back as I can remember, they turned out en mass. 
More than 75 bars/restaurants provided gift certificates, some for as much as $100. The Marriott donated a weekend vacation package. We had cruises, designer eyewear, home furnishings, baskets of booze and munchies, plus our 50-50 drawing and our $500 lotto ticket tree. Then there were the musicians who showed up to entertain the crowd that filled the place from noon till after 10:00 pm.
It was a wonderful day with an incredible outpouring of support for one of our own.
It made me proud to part of this industry.