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SamJam meant to be celebration, fundraiser |
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Friday, May 02 2008 |
By BECKY HAND
Community editor
The Churubusco community takes care of its own, and this weekend, they will remember one who was a beacon in the community, called “effervescent” by a friend’s mother, Gina Martinez, who has been the force behind the scholarship fund drive done in Samantha Merchant’s name. The site at myspace.com/samjam2008 says this about Sam Jam 2008:
“This is a benefit concert and auction to raise money for the Samantha Merchant Scholarship Fund. Samantha Merchant was killed when her car went into the ditch near a telephone pole on a wet evening. When she stepped out of the car, she was electrocuted. This scholarship is a way to remember and honor this very special girl who touched the lives of so many. She was a fun, energetic, and happy person who could always “turn that frown upside down.” Samantha participated in show choir, theater, key club, and student council. One senior student from Churubusco High School will receive this scholarship.”
Last year’s event was a more somber gathering, but this one is meant to be a celebration of Samantha’s life, as this would have been the year she graduated from Churubusco High school. Samantha’s mom, Michelle Merchant has been surrounded by caring people all wanting to help remember Sam and let her spirit live on in a scholarship fund for a graduating senior at Churubusco. Merchant says, “This has taken on a life of its own,” with people calling her constantly wanting to help.
The celebration/fundraising event will be at Timmy’s Nook, formerly Pirate’s Cove, in Tri-Lakes on Sunday, beginning at noon, with seven different bands playing throughout the day. The house bands for Fort Wayne’s Snickerz Comedy Club, Martin Brothers Blues, will play at 4:30 p.m. and Piere’s house band, Second Sun, will play start at 9 p.m. For a full schedule see the myspace.com/samjam2008 Web site.
An auction and raffles will be ongoing with such items as a one-year membership to Magic Hills Golf Course, a 1969 16 1/2 foot Larson speedboat, Element skateboarding gear, artwork by Show Choir Grandpa Killworth,
Other happenings include more than 70 items to be auctioned or raffled, a hog roast, sand volleyball and a fireworks display to end the evening. The event will go on rain or shine.
Funds will be raised for the scholarship which will be given out at the May 24 awards banquet for the Churubusco High School graduating class. |
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Last Updated ( Monday, May 05 2008 )
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