GENEROSITY, FRIENDSHIP and FRATERNITY

[tmac77]

So Art gives me a call a week or so ago asking me if I would like to drop by the following Thursday for a cigar in his decked out cigar garage and pick up a couple of boxes of cigars that he had acquired for me. Of course Art, being a good friend, how could i pass up the opportunity to have a small mini herf with him prior to Christmas.

Thursday rolls along and I pack up a nice fiver of cigars as a gift to Art along with a bottle of Havana Club Barrel Proof Rum. load up my 40 count travel humidor to gift any others who may be there along with a nice Innis and Gunn Gift pack for Frank (Sorry Frank we Drank it .... ooops) on the chance that he might also show up also. Feeling very pleased with myself about my generous offerings I set off to Art's Place.

I arrive to find Art with another BOTL (Pat) setting up in Art's Garage. Quite a cool set up with a couple of heaters a table and chairs loads of booze and a friendly greeting.

Art, being the ever gracious host, wasted no time in offering up some fine beverages from his selection and we settled back to what looked like it would be a fine evening. Not too much later on Conor and Gary show up. More beverages are offered up more cigars set alight. I am well on my way to considering a late or no show at work the following day.

At this point the order of events becomes somewhat blurry as: 1. I had consumed a fair quantity of Art's bar supply and 2. an unexpected surprise was lying in wait.

All of a sudden there is a massive box sitting on the table directly in front of me. I know it did not simply materialize out of no where but that is how I remember it as I may have been somewhat distracted looking through the bottles of bourbon wondering which one to try next.

I am informed by the lads that it is a gift for me. I am quite puzzled by both the size and weight of the box as I curiously give it a lift and a shake. I am also now thinking well that's nice as I really was not expecting a gift and proceed to open it, After some clumsy attempts to open the box I finally manage get a peek inside.

GOBSMAKED, < SHOCK OF ALL SHOCKS as I look into the box to find it filled with cigars !!!!!!!

Words could not describe what was within this box although I am sure that I made some attempt at voicing my surprise at the contents. Fortunately there were pictures taken which hopefully will get posted up in here shortly.

As I start to look into this box I am now also informed by Art and the lads something that surprises me even more.

As some of you obviously are now aware I recently had an incident the result of which about 85% - 90% of my cigar collection was stolen including all of my special HTF RE's LE's and discontinued boxes and was left with a few boxes and some singles.

I had told a couple of close trusted BOTL's of this and assumed that it would go no further. Well those trusted BOTL's led by Art & Frank among others conspirators put out the call to arms and the result is an outpouring of generosity, brotherhood friendship and fraternity the like of which I have never experienced.

There inside the box were a huge amount of packages/bundles of cigars. RE's LE's Special ones, Big ones, little ones, short ones, fat ones, skinny ones of all Marca;s and vitoals that you could imagine. each package donated by brothers and sisters from everywhere.

At this point I now also realize that the event is being videoed. So hopefully photos and the video of this will be able to get posted up in here somewhere.

I believe I made a number of lame attempts to express my gratitude on the video but I was also now feeling quite emotional and had to give pause on more than one occasion to gather myself or turn into a sobbing incoherent bumbling fool.

So to all of you out there a hearty and loud thank you for your extraordinary generosity and demonstrating to not only myself but to all what true friendship and fraternity is.

THANKS TO:

Art, Frank, Martin, Keith, Phil, Enis, Tony, Hans, Conor, Joe, Garfield, Gary, Simon, Riaz, Shlomo, Jean Nick, Jean Paul, Fred, Erik, Shaun, Jim, Jeff (GWN) Jeff (grasshoper) Ellis, Chris, Piero, Pat, Paul, Lloyd, Aldo, Kevin, Lisa and Mark.

I truly hope that this is the full list and my sincere apologies if I have missed anyone. Blame Art as this is the list he gave me.

There were some pictures taken as well as a video both of which I hope are going to get posted up on here soon.

Thank you once again to all. Each and every one of the cigars donated will be lit up with a thoughtful pause in thanks to each one of you all in making this holiday season even more special than I could have imagined.

[CanuckSARTech]

You're welcome.

Cheers, Tom, and enjoy them in good health and spirits.

[Colt45]

[khomeinist]

Great story.

With regards to our shared tobacco passion:

Come for the smokes, stay for the community.

[headstand]

Thanks for sharing your story Tom. You have some great people around you. Blessings all.

[Strada]

Can't wait to see the video and pictures!

[maverickdrinker]

some pics of the box...

Santa was feeling the crunch of the current economic conditions and could not hire his professional gift wrapper this year... LOL

There was one additional package that came in after I wrapped up the box. Thanks to Lloyd, Frank and Simon for reaching out to people to help with this.

The video will be posted in the next couple of days. Have to wait for IT (ie my wife) to download it as long as Conor hit the record button. LOL

If someone can reach out to LLC, he would like some help on how to download the video he took from his Apple Iphone 5.

Enjoy them in good health my friend. It was an honor and a pleasure organizing and presenting this to you.

[mk05]

Chrles Dickens would be proud. Merry Christmas, great job by all!

[AlohaStyle]

Wow, very sorry to hear about your cigars being stolen, but how great of the BOTLs to step up and give such a gift! I had the chance of meeting the crew in Havana last month and they are all great guys... way to go guys!

[Schumi5]

Simply amazing guys, incredibly well done! A perfect example of both what the cigar community and Christmas season is all about.

[Paul3]

A perfect holiday story of goodwill, good men and good women taking care of each other. Very well done guys. A very Merry Christmas to you all.

[mazolaman]

That's a great Christmas tale, nice to read of such generosity.

[ckearns]

Just trying to right a wrong, Tom. Hopefully they'll get you through until you can restock. Kuddos to the organizers.

[Trevor2118]

That's a class act guys.

You have some great mates there Tom.

[NJP]

Good form and great to hear.

[riazp]

Tom you are a top class mate and deserve every single stick in there. I'm glad everything got to you safe and sound. Have a merry christmas my friend

[Ophidion]

This is amazing. Great work ladies and gents!

[BatFastard]

Fantastic job people!

[madandana]

Thanks to all involved for a great show of botlness (made up word ?)

[canadianbeaver]

Our absolute pleasure, Tom and have a great holiday to all!

[Hubba]

Amazing story guys!!!

[Squarehead]

Job well done friends

Enjoy your loot Tom,we are here for eachother.I can't wait for the pictures and video.

Merry Christmas to everybody

Cheers

Hans

[KJND]

Wow, what a story. Sorry to hear of the unfortunate loss to begin with but BRAVO to all involved in lending a brother a hand in getting back on his feet.

Cheers all, well done!

[sharks]

Great stuff pple, very lucky man

[ohioldd]

This place never ceases to amaze me!

Well done ladies and gentlemen!