SamJam 4NF Raises $22,000 for Neurofibromatosis!

Sam Oswald poses on stage with ClusterPluck, one of the bands that performed at SamJam, Unplugged on the Prairie, September 27

The sounds of progressive bluegrass and contemporary acoustic music filled the air on September 27, as hundreds of people enjoyed a beautiful fall day at SamJam, Unplugged on the Prairie, held at the Macoupin County Fairgrounds.  The 12-hour music event was held in honor of Sam Oswald, Carlinville, who has dealt with the complications of neurofibromatosis (NF) for the last 25 years.  The proceeds of $22,000 from the event were donated to NF Midwest, an organization dedicated to providing research funding and support for NF patients and their families.

Organizer Peter Oswald II, brother of Sam Oswald, noted, “The success of SamJam was only possible with the tremendous support of our sponsors and the help of area residents.  The financial support of our sponsors, in-kind contributions from businesses and individuals, and the outpouring of contributions and volunteer help from the public are what made SamJam so successful. SamJam really shows how the Carlinville community can rally behind a worthwhile cause.”

Co-organizer, Pete Oswald, Sam’s dad, said, “One of our intents in organizing SamJam was to offer excellent acoustic music and I think we accomplished that.  Comments from the 500 SamJam attendees were very positive and there was some pleasant surprise expressed regarding the quality of music. It was a great lineup of bands and very entertaining.”

Six bands from St. Louis and the Chicago area performed, including: The Leadfoot Band, Tangleweed, Accoustics Anonymous, Chicago Farmer, Old Salt Union, and ClusterPluck.  Master of Ceremonies Dan St. Onge kept the crowd excited and participating in all of the event activities: a bags tournament, silent auction, car cruise, Caribbean cruise raffle and an opportunity make additional donations.

Sam Oswald and his brother, Peter Oswald, present a check for $22,000 to Diana Haberkamp, Executive Director of Neurofibromatososis (NF) Midwest, at the 24th Annual NF Symposium in Hoffman Estates on October 25.

While raising funds to support NF patients, SamJam was also a public awareness event for NF.  Striking 1 in 2,500 people, the neurological disorder is not well known and many times misunderstood.  Information was provided at the event and more can be found at the NF Midwest website, www.NFMidwest.org.

Sponsors of SamJam included, Gold Sponsors: Starr’s Primal Meats, Schlafly Brewing, Lucky Dog Ale House, Carlin Villa Motel, Wall Street Financial Group, CNB Bank & Trust, Fleming, Tawfall & Co., Carl’s IGA, Central Illinois Steel Company; Silver Sponsors:  Makhovitz Heating & Cooling, Plainview Winery, Stolze Printing; Bronze Sponsors: Anchor Inn, Tangles, Cynmar, Gustav Heinz Furniture& Floor Covering, Eyecare of Carlinville, PM Construction, Inc., Huck’s Food and Fuel, J.F. Boente Sons,Lange Title Recored Co. ,Goodman Agency, Main St. Florist, PJ’s Tire & Service Center, Inc., The Village at Morse Farms.  A large number of in-kind contributions were also received from: Ariston Café, Josh Slightom, Ace Hardware, Jos. F. Boente Sons, Kelly Clark, Megan Adamski, R.P. Lumber, Jill Schwab, My Sister’s Closet, Route 66 Music Shop, Slackers, Kahl’s Greenhouse, D.L. & Gietl Signs, Blackburn College, Dan Koster, Pete & Char Genta, Chris & Mary Schmitt, and League of Extraordinary Idiots.

A complete listing of the sponsors and all Friends of SamJam can be found on the event website at www. SamJam4NF.com. Donations to SamJam can still be made at the event website.