the numbers are in…

This had been a year in the making. When I thought about organizing our flagship event for JR Hearts 12 months ago, I had no idea what it was going to be. I didn’t even know what JR Hearts would look like yet. I sat around the table with three incredible women and we brainstormed. When it comes to doing anything in Jackson’s name, I can be pretty indecisive. It has to be perfect in my eyes.

We had several concepts brewing, and after a couple of months, they morphed into the grandest idea. With Jackson’s love of music and dancing and Eric’s musical background and sound production success, an all day music festival filled with fun activities for the entire family just made sense. Thus, Jackson’s Jam was born.

As we began planning and organizing, businesses started slowly jumping on board. Texas Roadhouse was our first official sponsor offering to donate the food, plus they would help us staff the event. What?! We were in shock! That started the avalanche as more and more businesses believed in our mission and chose to support the cause. Every day it was a new donation, sponsorship or musician signing up to play.

Don’t get me wrong…planning this event was a lot of hard work, but the way the pieces fell together, it was obvious that God had a hand in all of it.

Jackson’s Jam was a huge success. Jackson’s smile illuminated the sky all day long blessing us with perfect weather, all of the musicians electrified the stage, families were enjoying the festivities, and the day just flowed beautifully. We could not have asked for anything more for our first year.

You guys, because of the generosity, love and support from countless businesses, individuals, families and friends, we raised more than $18,000! The impact this money will have in some families’ lives is immense. We will be able to relieve a financial burden for parents who have a sick child, giving them time to focus on their child’s healing and health. That is a priceless gift.

I can’t thank everyone enough. Truly. I have been blown away by this community and my friends and family from afar. The way that we are held amidst our loss is beyond my comprehension. God placed our family in Wisconsin for a reason so many years ago. He knew we would need the people here, and he knew they would always show up for us. We are beyond grateful for the love and support.

Thank you to all of our sponsors, musicians and volunteers for sharing a piece of yourself and your business with us. Our success would not have been possible without you.

Katie, Sara and Becky, thank you for dedicating so much of yourselves planning and preparing for this event. Your time, energy and resources. You pulled out all the stops to make sure this day was the best that it could be. You are all amazing women who I treasure.

Eric, thank you for supporting and loving me and the crazy ideas that float around in my head. You have been instrumental in helping me see them through.

As I am sitting here writing this post, “Hallelujah” is playing over the coffee shop’s sound system. Our praise band at church played this song at Jackson’s Celebration of Life. I always think of my boy when I hear it. I know it’s no coincidence the song is playing at this moment.

Out of curiosity just now, I researched what the song means. The writer, Leonard Cohen, said, “This world is full of conflicts and full of things that cannot be reconciled, but there are moments when we can … reconcile and embrace the whole mess, and that’s what I mean by ‘Hallelujah.’”

I couldn’t begin to reconcile or make sense of losing Jackson, but we are embracing our whole mess and trying our best to create something beautiful from it. Hallelujah! And thank you from the bottom of our hearts for helping us along the way.

Face painting at Jackson's Jam!

Face painting at Jackson’s Jam!

Eric Darnell kicked off the festivities.

Eric Darnell kicked off the festivities.

Eric emceed the day.

Eric emceed the day.

Road Crew rounded out the day!

Road Crew rounded out the day!

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Jaid, an extremely talented local musician, was a hit!

Jaid, an extremely talented local musician, was a hit!

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Bernie Brewer made an appearance and even played some wiffle ball with the kids.

Bernie Brewer made an appearance and even played some wiffle ball with the kids.

*photos by Captured Photography