The first thing that comes to mind when someone mentions the annual JUNE JAM is "Delaware' Best Outdoor Concert". And why not? Over the past several years headliners have included national acts the likes of "Kansas", "Moly Hatchet", " 38 Special", " Cheap Trick", "Dave Mason", and "The Fabulous Thunderbirds" . Combine the national acts with the best of the East Coast's touring bands, a spotlight for favorite local musicians, fun and games for children, vendors to satisfy almost any need and a shady spot under a tree to enjoy the day for 1000-plus members and their guests, and you have it JUNE JAM "Delaware's Best Outdoor Concert."
However, take a closer look and you will spot a charity booth and numerous Bright Blue shirted staffers hawking raffle tickets for prizes to be awarded later in he evening. Once spotted, it is only then that you'll begin to understand the pure meaning of why 120 plus volunteers donate hundreds of hours of their time to provide a fun day in the sun for their friends and neighbors throughout the Mid-Atlantic.
Our beneficiaries for the 31st Annual June Jam are "The Delaware Breast Cancer Coalition" and tenativley "Delaware Boots on the Ground" an organization devoted to supporting our deployed military personel and taking care of the families they have left behind. There is a tremendous need for help and resources are limited. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT!
The annual JUNE JAM was born from a tragedy. In 1978, three friends were working on a roof in Magnolia when they were accidentally electrocuted. Randy Miller and Stanley Painter were severely burned and their coworker, Richard Vogl, was killed. None of the men had health insurance to pay their extended hospital stays and, deprived of income, their families were in trouble. Fellow workers and former classmates Bob Hartley, John Tazelaar, Wayne Buckworth, Emily Phillips, Glenn Courtney, Charles Angstadt, and the late Mark Kelly decided to turn the Caesar Rodney Class of 73,s fifth year reunion into a benefit for the three families. Local bands were asked to donate their time and talent, tee-shirts were printed for sale, and June of that year the event was held at the Camden-Wyoming Fire Hall. In June 1979, the first JUNE JAM was born.
From the modest beginning, the event has grown to the point where in 1995, over $13,000 was raised for over a dozen needy individuals along with several deserving charitable organizations - all helping people in our local area.
So while you're wandering the grounds this year taking in the sun and the area's best music, take time out to visit our Charity Booth and take a chance of winning a prize. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Charity Booth or from one of the staff members walking the grounds. Know that the small amount of money you'll spend for one or all of these activities will go to help a good cause right here in our local area.
Thanks for your help and have a wonderful time at this year's JUNE JAM.
Other benefit events sponsored by JUNE JAM Ltd.