Anthony "Busta" Johnson Gift

(We helped Busta acquire a replacement for his beloved Cadillac- a 2000 Chevrolet Malibu, which he plans to restore to pristine condition!)

Over the past three years, we have had two successful fundraisers for Anthony “Busta” Johnson, enabling him to enjoy his retirement. Those funds will be exhausted in early May, so we are again asking for your generosity in helping Anthony. We know that you receive many solicitations but are hoping that we can continue to support Anthony.

To recap: In the Fall of 2021, health issues forced Anthony Johnson (“Busta”) to end his 29-year career as chef at PA Phi. Through a GoFundMe campaign at the end of 2021, actives and alumni raised over $51K for Anthony’s support. A trust fund for Anthony was created (using $3K in legal fees), with Matt Katase, Nick Wernink, and Bruce Whiting as trustees. Payments to Anthony began in the Spring of 2022. We contribute about $1800/month, which combined with Anthony’s Social Security payment, gives him an income approximately equal to his take-home pay when he was working and provides a secure life. In 2024, an additional round of fundraising produced $28,000.

In the three years since retiring, Anthony has gone on dialysis and has had two hospitalizations for heart and kidney incidents. Last year he was reinstated on the Kidney Donor list. He turned 65 last year and is now on Medicare. In addition to the monthly payments, in 2024 we assisted Anthony with $700 for car repairs, and when his beloved Cadillac finally broke down this year, we gave $2500 towards a replacement vehicle. (Anthony’s mobility is important for his dialysis treatments and for daily errands.)

The remaining balance in the Trust will run out in May. We realize that the Chapter recently asked for donations for the Redevelopment Plan and for buggy, so we hesitate to make another request. We seek donations to extend our payments to Anthony for another three years ($50-60K).

If you prefer to send a check, please make it payable to DEED OF TRUST, with memo line “FBO Anthony Johnson,” mailed to:

Bruce Whiting

1614 B Overton Ln

Pittsburgh, PA 15217

If you have any questions, feel free to contact Bruce Whiting (314-458-6383; whitingbrucer at gmail dot com).

Yours in the Bonds,

Matt, Nick, and Bruce

To: The Brothers of SAE

From: Mr. Anthony Johnson

I got wind of some good news from some of the Brothers. Let me see, how can I put this in words. I cannot explain how grateful I am for you guys blessing once again. The best thing in my life was to work for you guys. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the good memories of the House. I pray that each and every one is healthy and prosperous. I understand that Spring Carnival is coming. I look forward to seeing everyone. As far as me and my health, I have been maintaining my health doing the best that I possibly can, doing what I need to do, meanwhile still waiting for a kidney. God will bless me soon. I wish I could go back in time but unfortunately life does not go that way, I had some of the best times of my life when I was cooking for you guys, Life is funny, every now and then I find myself riding over to the House just to sit there and reminisce and meditate and I think boy ‘o boy, those were the days. Well as I go on with my life, once again I will always be grateful and thankful to you guys. Once again, I look forward to Spring Carnival to see everyone soon- can’t wait. I am going to end this letter by saying God bless each and every one of you guys. I love you all- thank you from the bottom of my heart.

Love,

Anthony G. Johnson