Despite a few brief moments of rain and the threat of Fay, more than 200 people participated in Saturday’s all-day fundraiser benefit, raising $3,485 including personal donations for 14-year-old Jordan Jackson’s medical fund.
The event — hosted by Creative Times Charities — began with a motorcycle “Ride for Jordan” in the morning and progressed to a “Charity Cookout and Family Fun Day” at L. Scott Stell Park in Savannah where Crystal Dasher, along with a host of volunteers, were waiting with food and beverages for sale.
“I’m blown away by the number of people who were there,” said Teresa Jackson, Jordan Jackson’s mother.
She said there were so many people she wanted to thank but wouldn’t list any names out of fear that she would accidentally leave someone out.
“We were blown away by the support of family, friends and the community. There were even people there that we didn’t know who came out just to support Jordan,” said Teresa Jackson.
Crystal Dasher of Creative Times Charities organized the event with the help of several of Jordan Jackson’s family and friends. Pauline Morgan recruited door prizes from vendors such as Lotus Day Spa, Kelly’s Tavern, The Hideaway Bar and Grill and Bodyworks Gym — just to name a few.
Jeremy Sessions brought his clippers, shaving the heads of 11 young boys and adult men for a donation of $10 each while local musician Josh Sanders performed. In addition, 38 people gave blood in the Savannah Community Blood Bank mobile unit.
“It was just absolutely amazing what they pulled off in such a short time,” Teresa Jackson said.
Dasher said she is also thankful for all those who came out and volunteered their time and energy to the event.
“We are also grateful for all the people who came out and spent their money,” said Dasher.
The doctors diagnosed Jordan Jackson on July 20 with acute promyelocytic leukemia, a subtype of acute myelogenous leukemia. After spending time in the hospital, undergoing chemotherapy treatments, Jordan was released last Tuesday.
“He was feeling really good so we let him go to the event,” said his mother. He even helped his great aunt give out the door prizes.
“Just to see his smile and face made the day,” said Morgan.
His mother agreed.
“It’s so wonderful to see him with so much energy and color,” she said. “It’s amazing what we take for granted.”
While Jordan Jackson is doing better and his white blood cell count is rising, his scheduled treatments are far from over. And the family and community’s efforts to help offset the cost of medical expenses are ongoing.
The Zion Lutheran Church is hosting a blood drive in Jordan’s honor on Sept. 25 from 2-7 p.m. at the corner of Highway 30 and Highway 17. And on Sept. 27, Morgan along with volunteers from the South Effingham Middle School will hold a yard and bake sale at the school.
Those interested in contributing to the Jordan Jackson Medical Fund can do so at any Bank of America branch.
