08/25/2024
Argabright Jam for the Honor Flight & Olpe Fitness Park Sets New Record!
Front Porch Jams (FPJ) of Lyon County is in their seventh season, featuring local musicians on local porches to support (you guessed it…) local causes! Michael & Carla Argabright hosted the July jam showcasing incredible entertainment by musicians Hayden Knuth, Sammie Beck, Derek Nuessen, Jeanna Scheve, and Sam & The Firewatchers! This night was focused on fundraising for two local non-profits: the USD 252 Honor Flight program and the Olpe Fitness Park project. In doing so, a NEW record of fundraising for Front Porch Jams was set, gathering $1657 for the USD #252 Honor Flight and $1078 for the Olpe Fitness Park for a total of $2735! FPJ community, YOU SHOWED UP! Thank you for your support! Special thanks to Cooper Schroer of Glimpse Drone Services for highlighting that blessed evening from a bird’s eye view. See it on this page!
It was such a highlight to see so many local veterans and families in attendance! The crowd was a great mix of all ages. The jam also featured leaders of both organizations, who each took the opportunity to share their work with the FPJ audience. They shared specifics about their purpose and how the funds would be utilized.
USD 252 Superintendent and veteran Ryan Muhlig stated, “The Honor Flights are a pretty spectacular trip and a simple way to give back to the veterans. On the school side of things, if every kid, every junior or senior, can build that nationalism and become a patriot in their hearts like the kids we take from Southern Lyon County…we are (and would be) so very fortunate to build that up in them.” Dr. Bryce Heitman, a veteran and co-facilitator in bringing the Honor Flight program to this area, has been with it from the start. He said, “To the veterans here, let your buddies know. Let them know that they need to go on a flight too. The best recruiting tool we have is you guys.” Host Michael Argabright continued to reiterate, “We are in need of applications from veterans, and especially from our older veterans, such as those from the Vietnam Era and prior.” For more information on this program and ways that you can support it, please go to www.usd252.org/page/honor-flight.
The chairman of the Olpe Fitness Park, Tyler Schmidt humbly said, “To step out of the light a little bit, I have a great committee, the Olpe Community Improvement Committee. We are campaigning for the Olpe Fitness Park and Phase 1 is our goal, which is $2.5 million by the end of 2024. We are nearing the $1.9 million mark currently. So we appreciate everyone’s support. On behalf of myself and our committee members, thank you for your support and for showing up tonight.”
On Friday, August 30, the next jam will be hosted by Henry and Marsha Hoelting to benefit the Olpe Bands! Join them at 1436 Road 75 in Olpe, KS starting at 7:00pm to enjoy a night of live music by Buck Brandt, The Durst’s, Jane McCoy & Them Belton Boys, Jeanna Scheve, and members of the Olpe Jr/Sr High Band!
MANY THANKS to this season’s sponsors of the musicians: Michael & Carla Argabright, Craig & Joni Black, Arylene Haynes, Gary & Martha Jones, MD Double Bar Ranch, Bob & Brenda Redeker, Aaron & Jeanna Scheve, Don Wamser, and Dr. Bary & Nina Williams.
Front Porch Jams of Lyon County, a non-profit organization and fund of the Emporia Community Foundation, has a mission to gather people around music in order to benefit a cause. All ages are welcome and the public is invited to bring chairs, snacks, and/or beverages. Entry to FPJ events is by donation only, with 100% of the donations collected going directly to a local cause of the host’s choice.
The 2024 season is full, but requests for 2025 are open now! For more information about hosting or benefitting a local cause, performing at a jam, or sponsoring musicians, please message “Front Porch Jams of Lyon County” on Facebook or email at [email protected]. You can also support Front Porch Jams of Lyon County’s work by donating at emporiacf.org and/or join the email list at bit.ly/fpjemail.
