With musicians making some noise for a good cause, the annual Holiday Jam for Hunger in Chatham was once again a success, say organizers.
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Taking place at Sons of Kent on Friday night, the event featured several local bands, with admission by donation for Hope House – Mental Health Network of Chatham-Kent and Chatham Outreach for Hunger.
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Created in 2004, the event has continued each year, including virtually in 2020 and 2021. Different organizations have benefited over the years, with food insecurity becoming the focus.
Alysson Storey, a musician who organized the jam for the past 12 years, said she was thrilled with the turnout.
“Within an hour of the event starting we had a full house and it stayed that way for the rest of the evening,” she said. Our volunteers at the door estimate several hundred people come through the door throughout the evening.”
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Taking the stage was the Dave Trinca Xperience, of which Storey is a member, along with other local acts Level Up and Cole Pereira.
Storey credited the generosity of those who attended.
“The crowd was very generous, and while some donations are still coming in, we’re on track to equal or even top last year’s amount, which was approximately $4,000,” she said. “Which was our highest ever.
“Not bad for an event that started out almost 20 years ago as a few high school friends looking for an excuse to get together and play some music for our friends and family over the holidays.”
Since its inception, the jam has raised more than $30,000 for local food insecurity organizations.
“I’m so grateful and grateful to all of the venues who have hosted us over the years, especially Sons of Kent, which has been our home since it opened its doors and Tony’s One Stop Music Shoppe, who helps with our sound,” Storey said.
“And also our community who always comes through to support our friends and neighbors. It’s just another reminder that we live in such a kind and generous community.”
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