Full house for final SamJam concert at Rustic Venues
Sam Oswald (right), with his father, Peter (left) and brother, Pete (middle). Enquirer Democrat photo by Jackson Wilson.
Event raised nearly $100,000 for neurofibromatosis research over the past decade
By JACKSON WILSON
Enquirer Democrat Reporter
All of the tables at the Rustic Venues were full for the final SamJam concert Apr. 26.
This beloved fundraising event, which was organized as recognition of Carlinville native Sam Oswald’s strength and resilience in his lifelong journey with neurofibromatosis (NF), has raised nearly a total of $100,000 for NF Midwest, Inc. to support research and services for NF patients and families over this past decade. NF is a condition which causes tumors to form in the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
In honor of Sam’s love for music, SamJam has brought together 38 artists since it began in 2014, filling Central Illinois with progressive bluegrass, Americana and blues. Last weekend, Sam, his father Peter and brother Pete wanted to go out with a bang at an indoor setting for this milestone celebration.
The final lineup featured ClusterPluck, a band out of St. Louis; The Hillbenders of Springfield, Missouri; and a solo performance from Neil Salsich.
Clusterpuck rocks the stage during the final SamJam concert at the Rustic Venues. Enquirer Democrat photo by Jackson Wilson.
In addition to the live music, guests enjoyed a smoked brisket dinner while also taking part in a silent auction, 50/50 raffle and a Caribbean cruise giveaway.
“The music, food, and fun are good, but the cause is even greater,” said Peter Oswald. “And, our support from the community has been outstanding.”
The Oswalds would like to thank all of this year’s sponsors: CNB Bank & Trust, Goodman Agency, Carlinville CPA Group, LTD, Verticchio and Verticchio Law Offices, Wall Street Financial Group, Inc., Carlinville Motel, Carlinville Eyecare, Gustav Heinz Furniture & Floor Covering, Main Street Florist, Crowe Boot & Shoe Co., Sleepy Dinosaur Books, Kahl’s Greenhouse and Starrs Primal Meats.
Plenty of donors also participated, including Richard Oswald, Rick & Peg Fehr, Ray & Deb McNamara, Chris & Mary Schmitt, Jeff & Arleen Haselhorst, Richard & Linda Schien, Lige Daley, Ashley & Michael Hadley, Julia Strehlow, Karen Dworzynski, Jean Laverty, Jim & Nancy Schien, Bob & Becky Lane, Carl Zeidler, Greg & Deb Wiles, Judith Leitschuh, Kim and Nancy Walton, Jessica & Jason Davis, Steve & Denise Boente, Mike Genta, Deb Russell, Becky Doyle, Randy & Mary Tinder, Tim & Susan Millard, Ed & Beth Hammann, Anna Holmes, Mark & Nikki Harris, Meghan Allen, Carl & Donna Kasten, Bill Armstrong, Greg Heinz, Becky Armstrong, Jill Schwab, Becky Mills, Dave & Denise Boente, Jackie Dunn, Shelly Weitekamp, Mik Smith, Al Wilhite, Jim & Janie Ashworth, Sandy Bowman, Jane Reichmann, Mark Donaldson, Lee LoBue, Pam Dilley, Don Hamilton and The Rustic Venues.
Those that missed the event can still make a donation for NF research online at www.samjam4nf.com/donate.
