|
The
Mark Houser Benefit
Written by Jimmy Cummings
On August 18, 2011 family and friends of the late
Mark Houser threw a benefit in his honor to help fight the fight against pancreatic
cancer; the disease that took Mark’s life. This benefit was extra special due
to the fact that Mark is the father of our friend Chris Houser from The Werks.
But as much as everyone was there to help fight against this horrific disease,
the night seemed to more about the celebration of a man who obviously touched
many lives during his short time here on earth. I have to say that I regret
never meeting Mark; but even though I never met him I can tell you he was a
wonderful and loved father which is evident in the man that Chris has turned
out to be. Mark was also a great brother, just ask his brother Paul. Chris’s
uncle Paul introduced the band and you could see the pride in his face; pride
in how Mark battled for his life to the end against a disease that has one of
the highest mortality rates of any cancer. You could also see how proud Paul
was of his nephew.
The outpouring of support for Chris from his fans
from The Werks was incredible and seemed to overwhelm Paul for a moment; as it
did many in the audience, including myself. It was a very emotional evening for
all involved but none more so than Chris. First to hear his uncle talking about
his father’s life and then receiving accolades from his uncle, I can only
imagine the emotions running through his mind. Especially when Chris began The
Werks’ set with a song Chris wrote for and in honor of his father; Chris
mentioned that the only other time he played this song was at his father’s
funeral. When Chris began his song you could have heard a pin drop, the only
thing you heard was Chris singing and playing to his father. I don’t know how
he did it; I get emotional just thinking about it.
 
After the emotions began to seep back to where they
came from, it was time for a celebration. The setting was very intimate and the
patio at McGillicutty’s Pub in Kettering was packed with at least 200 family
and friends there to see The Werks and celebrate the life of Mark Houser. The guys gave fans a fantastic set and the
atmosphere was incredible the entire evening. Unfortunately the music had to
end at 11:00; damn city ordinance. But the party didn’t end when the music stopped
as people stuck around to visit with band members and friends. In my opinion
the event was a huge success. The event brought awareness about a deadly
disease and proceeds from the event will go to the Mark Houser Foundation and their fight
against pancreatic cancer. Thanks to the Houser family for their hospitality. We are proud to help support this foundation and help the fight against pancreatic cancer. For more
information about this disease follow the links below.
Benefit concert for the Mark Houser Foundation
McGillicutty's Pub
Kettering, Ohio
Taped By Chubby
Pancreatic Cancer Action Network: http://www.pancan.org/
| 
Mark Houser Benefit
