bpsbassman Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 People are always asking me why I would drive 100 kms to work at Bass Pro on weekends. The following story might help explain it. I was working at Bass Pro a couple of weeks ago and I met this really cool customer. His name is Jacob, he is almost 8 years old and his Mom told me that he suffers from severe autism, and that he goes through aggressive therapy through the week. The two of them had discovered fishing together a few weeks previous and it had done miracles for Jacob. It took him to a much better place. Jacob was already quite knowledgeable and took a keen interest in everything I was showing him. I told them about Dave Mercer coming to the store on the 13th and that Jacob would really enjoy meeting him. I contacted Dave and George Wallace (BPS Promotion Manager) and they arranged to meet Jacob in George's Office before Dave did his presentation. I met Jacob and his Mom in the store on the 13th and what followed was truly magical! I first introduced them to George who was busy outside Bar-B-Qing hotdogs for Ducks Unlimited. George dropped everything and led Jacob all over the store gathering goodies By the time he was done, Big Dave was in his office waiting to meet Jacob and sign all the gathered paraphernalia. As you all know, Dave is awesome with all kids, but he was exceptional with Jacob. I really can't describe the feelings I had at that time, watching all this magic happening. Later on he met Dave Chong and Chonger spent a ton of time talking and listening to Jacob. This one says it all His Mother says that she found light coming from under Jacob's bedroom door after he had gone to bed that night. He had his shirt, hat, lures, Dave "Bobble Head" and all his other new found treasures all lined up on his bed and had his new LED hat light illuminating them in the dark. The fishing industry is blessed to have people like the 2 Daves (Mercer and Chong). I witnessed something truly magical this weekend. What also impressed me was the length George Wallace went to ensure Jacob had a truly wonderful day. I see Bass Pro continually getting trashed on this site and I find it particularly frustrating when I know of all the good works that BPS continually performs and so often done under the radar, not doing it for the publicity but because "Its the right thing to do" It wasn't only Jacob that was the beneficiary of all this attention. I also saw the joy in his Mother's eyes as she was capturing these beautiful pictures through the lens of her camera. She was obviously getting as much out of this new experience as Jacob was and was truly overwhelmed. She is as brave as Jacob in dealing with the day to day challenges that were being masked by this magical moment. Combine that with meeting great customers like all the OFNers I meet and a fabulous team of co-workers in the Fishing Dept. and you might get an idea of what makes it all worthwhile! Kind of helps explain what makes that 100 km drive a non-event. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tibbs Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 WOW! You did an awesome thing there for him! He sure looked happy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
danc Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 What a touching story. Don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back too Roger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tinbanger Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Great story Roger Really shows what we call all do to help out others . way to go TB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lookinforwalleye Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Nice to see the pro`s spend some quality time with someone who truly appreciated and needed it and Kudos to Bass Pro and you Bassman for making the effort. No BPS bashing for me I love the store. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pigeontroller Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 BPS might get trashed, but that doesn't mean there's not some great people associated with the place! Great work Roger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
huntervasili Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 That is a truly amazing story Roger. Good on you, Dave Mercer and Dave Chong and George for making this boys life so much better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Casey123 Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 That is a truely awesome story. Thanks a lot for sharing. That story alone will ensure we give it anoher go at BPS. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ctdd2006 Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Awesome stuff! I found DM a little annoying (on tv anyway) until I found this site......seems like a great guy! My opinion has changed am now a fan! Class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
moemoe Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Give yourself a pat on the back as well, great story Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chickenhawk Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 its great that there are people out there like you and the Daves to take time out of your lives to help make somebody elses life seem that much better.....that is truely a wonderful thing you have done and im sure Jacob will remember that day for a long time..... Hawk Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steverowbotham Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 I used to drive from Lindsay to work at BPS 5 days a week. Financially, I cant do it anymore, but I certainly don't regret it, a great place to work when you have great people like Roger to associate with, and the customers you meet from every walk of life. Great job Roger! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ramble Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 That's fantastic. I'm glad there are other anglers out thier making the effort. Reminds me of the Great Denny Leeson. -Ramble- Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tarzan's Jane Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Hats off to all the guys but especially to you for making it happen. What a cute little man that Jacob is. Great story Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SlowPoke Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Kind of helps explain what makes that 100 km drive a non-event. And I thought it was for the 'staff discount' That was a great post Roger and another example of how a little time and effort from our lives can make a memory of a lifetime for someone else. -Brian Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
motv8tr Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Thanks for sharing that story Roger..... Maureen Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiel Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 ...A heart warming tale Roger, thank you very much for sharing. Kudos to all who helped make it a great day for Jacob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
steve_paul Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Great story Roger, good way to start the day reading that. Thanks for sharing that with us and great job by you and everyone else there making it a special event for Jacob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ChrisK Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Great story Roger...Nice to see people taking time to help others in need.. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
b2kptbo Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 That is a very cool story, thanks... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jay T Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 That is a great story. Good for you and everyone that was involved on making that such a special day for Jacob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Thanks for sharing Roger. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Moosebunk Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Fantastic Roger. Touching story and a great experience for little Jacob. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ccmtcanada Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Thanks for that Roger! Great story....lots of smiles. BPS may get trashed a lot on here, but it's the outspoken few who seem to get the attention....not the masses who just love the place. Trust me...I know...been working in retail for many many years....LOL. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JFR Posted September 16, 2008 Report Share Posted September 16, 2008 Roger, as always you go above and beyond. As I read the story and viewed the images, I felt my eyes starting to fog over (damn allergies ) What a wonderful experience for Jacob. I know that BPS likes to stay below the radar, and this renews my faith in big business . Thank you for sharing just JOHN Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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