Associated Content Producer Gary "G-Man" Toms Raises Big Money for Widows & Children of War Dead

One of the benefits of writing for Associated Content is the tremendous network of friends and business associates one can acquire here. Over the past year, one member that I have developed a relationship with is Gary "G-Man" Toms. I have to admit that when I first "met" the G-Man, I thought he was a little full of himself and quite frankly thought he was overbearing and really competitive.

We would often playfully compete and joke about which one of us would get the next Showcase story or win the coveted CP of the year Award. Well, with time, the "G-Man" has grown on me and I must admit that he has emerged as a really caring and compassionate soul; still cocky, but a good heart (just kidding...G-Man).

So, when he began talking to me about his dream to create a project that would raise money for our military families, I listened but was not certain about how he'd pull this whole project off. Well, the other day, I received a press release from him in reference to "The Desert Heroes Dance Party" and the fact that he and his biz partner, Joe Bonilla would be headed to Los Angeles over Thanksgiving (11.25.07) to make it happen. I immediately sent him a congratulatory e-mail wishing him the best of luck, and asking him to keep me in the loop about the results of the venture.

Well, let's just say that at the conclusion of his LA venture, he proudly announced that not only was the event a success, he had enlisted significant corporate support and raised a "crapload of money." He continued with excitement; "Yo! Tom Hanks, Dennis Hopper and Dan Ackroyd are HUGE "house heads"!!!! I was amazed!!! Ackroyd owns "Avalon", which was right behind the club I was at. It's the number one club in Hollywood."

Saba, Ink: Why are you so passionate about this project?

G-Man: Well, the most honest answer I can give you is I tend to be extremely passionate about any project I delve into. However, in the case of "The Desert Heroes Dance Party", it's a little different because I'm trying to help wounded soldiers, military widows and young children facing financial hardship, while honoring U.S. soldiers that have been killed in Iraq and Afghanistan. I've created a number of concepts, but this, by far, is the concept I'm most passionate about because it has the potential to change lives on both a national and international scale.

Saba,Ink: What is it you ultimately plan to do with this idea?

G-Man: Ultimately, The Bass Kings would like to travel across the country doing this. We want to go to every major city, meet with owners of the hottest nightclubs in these cities, and raise as much money as possible through these dance parties. Moreover, we would like to launch a national two-day dance party, where mix-masters from all over the country would perform at dance clubs and major sporting venues simultaneously. It would raise millions of dollars! Again, all the proceeds would go to the soldiers, widows and their kids.

Saba,Ink: Do you get paid for this work, or is it simply a labor of love?

G-Man: The Bass Kings don't receive a dime from any money raised, and we don't get paid to do this. When I created the concept, I structured it so that the focus would be placed solely on raising money and giving it all away. We rely on the kindness of club owners and corporate sponsors to cover our travel and hotel expenses. That's it! We don't ask for anything in the way of compensation, but we could definitely use "tips" every now and then. (Smiles) When all is said and done, I'm confident that God will bless us with financial windfalls in other ways. I have a number of film projects and television concepts out in Hollywood that I pray will get picked up one day. Even if they do, I fully intend to keep this project going. I'm excellent at multi-tasking! (Smiles) We do this as a true labor of love for our troops and financially distressed families.

Saba,Ink: Is there one organization that will be handling the monies that you raise?

G-Man: From the very beginning, I decided all of the money we raised would be donated to a Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Family Support Post in whatever city the dance party is held. In other words, if we did a benefit in Atlanta, Georgia, then the money would be given to the VFW post that helps soldiers and families in that area. Bernard "Big Ben" Thompson (U.S. Air Force), New York State VFW Chapter President, has been instrumental in providing me with VFW contacts all across the country. So, I have that all locked up. (Smiles) The money would be pipelined directly to those in need.

Saba,Ink: How much has been raised?

G-Man: The event we recently did in Hollywood, on November 25, was our very first. With the help of the corporate community, we were able to raise $25,000, and we did that with less than a week of promotion! That may not seem like much to many people, but it's $25,000 more than we started with. Mr. Bruce Mogel, CEO of Integrated Healthcare Holdings, Inc, in Santa Ana, California, was the first to offer a significant contribution. He deserves a special "shout-out", as does DJ Von Ukuf. Von, one of Hollywood's hottest deejays, helped spread the word in Los Angeles about our quest. Just imagine how much revenue we could've generated with a little more time to promote the event. With this interview, I'm hoping that a number of major corporations, particularly in the New York City area, will step up and match the amount we raised. Doing so would allow more soldiers and families, in California and New York, to receive a share of the proceeds. Again, no money comes to The Bass Kings! All donations are sent directly to local VFW Posts and/or their national representatives.

Saba,Ink: What's next for you, the Bass Kings and this project?

G-Man: At the moment, I'm trying to obtain media coverage to inform club owners and deejays, nationwide, of what we're trying to do. I'd love to appear on "Larry King Live", "Oprah", "Montel", CNN or FOX News to discuss my mission. Sadly, the media, particularly on the East Coast, has totally ignored my efforts. If they took the time to share this story with the masses, I have no doubt that hordes of people of all ages and races would want to join us in our crusade, especially the loyal "club-heads" throughout the country. There are literally millions of Americans that want to do something to help the troops and suffering families, but they really don't know how to go about it. Well, I've managed to create a venue for them to do just that, and they can have a great time in the process. This is a win-win situation for all involved.

Saba, Ink: With the current Iraq War playing such a big part in the upcoming Presidential Election, what message do you think your involvement with this project will send?

G-Man: That is an excellent, excellent question. Quite frankly, I think my involvement with this project is a key reason why The Bass Kings aren't getting any media attention. I sent press releases out to every major news organization in the country, and not one has bothered to respond! I suspect it's because the media has recently been highlighting the "success" taking place in Iraq and with the so-called surge. They're showcasing all things positive regarding the war, and it's probably the result of a mandate that has been issued by corporate news titans and the White House. Therefore, it wouldn't be prudent to give us coverage because it would be viewed as counter-productive to let Americans know that widows of fallen soldiers don't have enough money for baby formula or the monthly mortgage. I could be wrong, but I just can't fathom why no news agency in America has responded to us. Meanwhile, the plight of these soldiers and families go unnoticed. That's complete bullshit! I also sent correspondence to a number of prominent elected officials to gain support, two of whom are presidential contenders: Senators Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama. They haven't bothered to respond. It's really, really sad. So, I've decided to forge ahead despite the lack of interest shown by the media or leading political figures.

Saba,Ink: With the holidays drawing near, what is on your WISH LIST?

G-Man: You know, I've been so engulfed in this project that I haven't even thought about a holiday wish list. Now that you've put me on the spot, I guess there would be three things. (Smiles) That God put me in direct contact with wealthy and powerful people who believe in what The Bass Kings are trying to do; that my projects and concepts out in Hollywood are finally taken seriously; and that I meet a woman who encompasses an extraordinary level of intelligence, exceptional beauty, a compassionate heart, sexual intensity and a wicked sense of humor.

Saba,Ink: Your turn. What ever you'd like to say......about this project or anything else...

G-Man: I'd just like to say two things. Firstly, club owners interested in setting up events with The Bass Kings, as well as corporate sponsors, can reach us at ScorpProd@yahoo.com. Secondly, the motto for my company, Scorpion Productions, is "Making a Difference through Entertainment." God willing, that is exactly what I'll be given the opportunity to do before I die.

Happy Holidays to one and all. Remember, that in life we must always remember to always pass the giving forward...