SAYREVILLE – An annual benefit concert for people fighting cancer will hold its eighth event remotely while raising donations for a local business owner.
The eighth annual Jammin for Jaclyn Benefit Concert will be streamed through Facebook Live on June 12 through the handle @JamminforJaclyn. It is scheduled to run from 7 to 10 p.m.
This year’s beneficiary is Brian Da Silva, who is battling pancreatic cancer, according to the event organizers. Da Silva is a lifelong resident of Elizabeth and owns CBR Towing and Recovery, LLC, a towing company.
Individuals may donate to the benefit online at https://givebutter.com/JamminforJaclyn2021 or by texting J4J2021 to 202-858-1233. The benefit also accepts checks made out to “RJC Charities Inc.” and sent to Jammin for Jaclyn, 292 Stevens Ave., South Amboy 08879.
There will be eight musical acts performing remotely from their homes, along with a 50/50 drawing at the end of the night, according to the event organizers. The eight musical acts, in order of scheduled appearance, are The Foes of Fern, Levy Okun, Sof, Natalie Farrell, Sahara Moon, Jake Tavill, Nick Ryan and Taylor Tote.
Jammin for Jaclyn was founded after Ron and Denise Morgan’s daughter, Jaclyn Squillace, was diagnosed with stage III breast cancer. As their son Michael is a saxophonist and their daughter Amber is a singer, the Morgans said they decided to organize a benefit concert and subsequently ran a second due to the success of the first.
Following Squillace’s death in 2018, the event continues to be run in her name.
This is the second concert to be streamed through Facebook Live due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“[Being remote] means we won’t be able to have our usual buffet line of donated food from our incredible eatery sponsors,” Michael Squillace said. “Although we are upset about this, we look forward to trying something different, just like last year when we had to switch from an in-person event to virtual without much notice. We were incredibly successful, raising our second highest amount with $35,260 going to two local families. Now we have had a year to tweak it and we can promise an even more amazing virtual event on June 12.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors, supporters, and anyone who has helped us keep our Jaclyn’s legacy alive by helping others fighting similar battles,” he continued. “We hope to see you join us virtually in support of Brian Da Silva.”