Money4Jam - The Results!

JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE
IN LAS VEGAS
WE HAVE A WINNER

All you had to do was Jam... Video it, YouTube it and get all your family and friends to Support it! And that is exactly what you did in your droves. We had a swell of donations in the run up to competition close. The excitement was immense.

Thanks to all who took part in Money4Jam and donated to win these once-in-a-lifetime prizes. Now, if you’ll give me a drum roll please. We have a winner …

PRIZE ONE

In first place with an incredible video and stunning fundraising total is:

Our b-boy breaker – Jaden. Let’s all “Do the Jaden”! He is truly an inspiration and like one of his sponsors said, “Justin Timberlake would sure be lucky to meet you”. Hey Jaden, if you don’t choose to go into the entertainment business in a few years, please come and use your fundraising talents for StarJam. A remarkable fundraising total of $5931, yes! that’s $5931.

You have a choice of one of three prizes, and we know you’re a mad Justin Timberlake fan so pretty sure which prize you are going to go for. Two tickets to Las Vegas (thanks Air New Zealand!) to meet Justin Timberlake at a VIP meet and greet before taking your seats at the Justin Timberlake and Friends Concert on Saturday 1st October 2011. PLUS! Go wild with $US3000 spending money donated by our friends at Kiwibank. Wow, what a prize!
Thank you our kind sponsors!

PRIZE TWO

In second place with a fine fundraising total of $2175 is Stop! Jammer Time. What a cool name and video. They were like a thoroughbred racehorse approaching the finish line and with a massive donation in the final hour grabbed second place – many congratulations! Now, what is it to be, a trip across the ditch to meet Stan Walker or meet our kiwi legend Neil Finn in Auckland? Enjoy the prize Stop! Jammer Time. and thanks so much for the fundraising efforts.

PRIZE THREE

In third place are the coolest and craziest dancers Hamilton has ever seen, their dancing Jam was certainly dazzling and their fundraising efforts reached a fantastic $1583. Well doneHamilton East Dazzling Dancers! Now, all we want to know is which two of the thirteen of you gets to claim the prize? That will be an interesting discussion between you.

PRIZE FOR THE BEST VIDEO

The judge of the prize for best video is JAM-bassador Ray Woolf. Ray is a show business icon with almost 50 years performing under his belt, so is perfectly placed to award this prize. Check back here as we’re soon to announce the winner of this much coveted prize. The winner takes away an Apple iPhone 3G S 16GB.

SPOT PRIZES

And our final prizes who all receive a years supply of Barker’s Jam are:

1. That Yo Yo Guy
2. Michelle Williams
3. Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani
4. Princess Tessa’s Jai Ho Dance
5. Hey Soul Sista

ALL YOU JAM SPONSORS
THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!

Our heartfelt thanks go to all you Jam sponsors for getting behind some great Jams and kindly donating money to help the kids of StarJam.

Our kids or “Jammers” as we call them have found pure positivity through StarJam’s performance programmes. Your support will help get kids off waiting lists and into StarJam workshops.

Final congratulations to our prize winners and thank you to all our other Money 4 jam participants. Your sense of fun by entering Money 4 Jam will make a huge difference to our work.

Money4Jam is a fundraising initiative for StarJam, a super-charity which creates empowering performance opportunities for young people with disabilities, who in turn, provide inspiration and motivation to their audiences. All funds raised go entirely and directly to StarJam

If you’d like to support a Jam and donate to StarJam, click Support a Jam page.

For more information on StarJam please visit our website.

Money4Jam - 3 hours left!

There are only three hours left of this years Money4Jam. The teams are doing fantastically so far, and it's very exciting. Don't forget you can still donate until 12pm today!

Below are are list of all our teams, each unique and amazing people. Thank you all so much for taking part.

The Micro phonics
The George
Hamilton Easy Dazzling Dancers
The OMG'S
Fingerwolf
Introducing Work Mates
Melon Maw Maw's
Bashaldë
Fireheart
Moves like Jagger
Tyler White
Stan the Star
Michelle Williams
The light - Christian Colman
Magic Movers
The Balzats
Kousitc Konnection
That Yo-Yo Guy
Jaden
Sam Verlinden
Princess Tessas Jai Ho Dance
Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani
Girl Meets Uke -- Does Opera
Velvet Vocals
Stop Jammer Time
Hey Soul Sista
Jessie Wootton

It's not too late to make a donation, if you haven't done so. Check out the video wall and choose your favorite, even as little as $5 can make a difference in the life of a young person living with a disability.

Please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Hey Soul Sista

Hey Soul Sista is 8 year old Oceana and is proud to be raising Money4Jam, she was born with pseudoachondroplasia, a genetic bone disorder & has already undergone multiple surgeries at Starship Hospital which left her in a wheelchair for months but this has not dimmed her dream of being a singer. Oce has her own YouTube channel with over 180,000 hits, takes singing classes at TAPAC & sings as part of a National Tour for TEAR Fund to raise support for children in developing countries around the world. She is an amazingly inspiring young lady and very deserving of our support!

Please watch her video below then head on over to herteam page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.



There is ONE day left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Stop! Jammer Time

This is what Stop Jammer time has to say about themselves!

"Straight from the streets of Kura comes this performing duo of retro-hop dancing. From the hip, the hop, to the hip hop a – hippety, drop top to the hippety beat!?"

They are passionate about raising money for the kids of StarJam, check out their video below then head on over to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.



There are TWO days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Velvet Vocals

Olivia is in the Velvet Vocals. They have been together for 4 years and in this video they are singing an original song.

Once you have watched the video please head to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are TWO days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Girl meets uke does Opera is another return act from last year where she undertook to learn the Ukulele in the 30 days of Money4Jam last year. You can still watch all her videos on through her account Girlmeetsuke YouTube.

This year however she is focusing on her singing ability and performing Opera. She has uploaded several videos now but her first one will remain my favorite due to it's amusing nature of using herself as her own cranky duet partner.

Please watch her video below and then head on her over to her team page to support her. Please donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are THREE days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Grace Ikenasio and Malcolm Lakatani

This talented twosome have a whole host of awards under their belts. To name a few Grace was named 'Most promising artist 2011 Pacific Music Awards' holds a Bachelor of Music and is currently teaching Music at Secondary School. Malcolm has been nominated for 3 categories 2010 Pacific Music Awards holds a Bachelor of Education (Secondary Music teaching) and currently teaching Music at Secondary School.

They have put together a cover of Alicia Keys 'Doesn't mean anything'. Grace does this song justice, and I would love to hear more from them. Once you have watched the video please head to their team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are THREE days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Princess Tessa's Jai Ho Dance

'Princess' Tessa LOVES to dance, as demonstrated by this video of her dancing to Jai Ho. I have to say I for one am very impressed by her dancing, especially since there is what looks to me to be SNOW on the ground? It's a good thing she is dancing so well, as I am sure it helped to keep her warm.

Please watch Tessa's video for Money4Jam and then head to her team page to sponsor her, donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are FOUR days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Sam Verlinden

Sam is from Auckland and his sister Emily attends StarJam's Hip Hop dance class, she meets with them once a week, where they learn some amazing choreography, and then performs at the end of the year at the StarJam's annual onstage show. He tells us that the reason he thinks StarJam is 'Awesome' is because it encourages kids with disabilities to sing, dance and perform. He says his sister Emily is really shy, but loves to dance and StarJam has been a great place for her to do that with her friends.

Sam says he is very proud of his sister and that he is inspired by her achievements, which is one of StarJam's founding principles ... Standing Ovations, Disabled Kids, Changing Lives.

The video below is an original song that Sam recorded last year called "Break These Walls". Listen for yourself and I am sure you will agree that Sam come comes from one very talented family. Please visit Sam's team page and donate as little or as much as you can, every dollar is appreciated.

There are FOUR days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Jaden

Jaden is one of our very own "Stars" and is doing his part to help raise much need funds for Money4Jam. At the young age of 7 years, Jaden has already proven to be an ambassador for life itself, inspiring others to lead their lives with determination, courage and positivity. Despite his disabilities and endless medical procedures, he embraces life to the fullest and loves to get involved with fundraising campaigns that are close to his heart.

Jaden has been an active member of the StarJam Family for the past 2 years and would love to help raise more money so that other kids get to experience the empowering performance opportunities that StarJam allows.

This video features Jaden's break dancing abilities in a live performance of "Do the Jaden" in front of an audience of 300+.

Once you have watched it head over to his Team Page and sponsor Jaden so he can help StarJam help other children like himself.

There aren't too many days left for you to involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - That Yo-Yo Guy

Now this is a 'Guy' that has truly gotten creative for Money4Jam! He is certainly thinking out side the box with his performance. Justin is a 21 year old uni student from Wellington and just over a year ago developed a bit of an obsession with yo-yos. He finds them very fun and urges us all to turn our hand to it, Perhaps though I am a bit of a lost cause as I have only ever managed to tie yo-yo's up in to knots. I hope you find a buddy to yo-yo with soon Justin!

Watch his Video and then go and donate on his Team Page. (By the way - My son thinks you are amazing! So you may have a convert in our house after all!)

There are 6 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Koustik Konnection

Koustik Konnection consists of Lauren Donne-Gregory & Timothy Pekamu. They have been performing & recording as a duo for 3 months, covering a variety of genre – strictly unplugged. Lauren has a beautiful voice, so you are sure to enjoy watching their cover of Adele's "Someone like you".

You can then go and sponsor them on their team page to help them raise Money4Jam.

There are 6 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us onTwitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - The Balzats

The Balzats are an amazing family of seven very talented young people. They are return Money4Jammers from last year, where I personally got to hear them live (they are amazing). Together with their parents all nine members form a musical band, playing a variety of genres of acoustic instrumental music, such as violins, guitars, keyboard, flute, cello and drums.

Their repertoire of folk rock, and their own compositions are growing and with it their popularity. They continually impress audiences with the high level of individual and combined musicianship demonstrated from the youngest to the oldest.

But you don't have to take my word for it, view their video below and decide for yourself. Then you can head over to their team page to sponsor them!

There are 7 days left for you to get involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - 7 Days and counting

As the end of Money4Jam draws near the excitment and competition mounts. There hasn't been a better time for you to get involved! You can still enter for your chance to win one of three excellent prizes.

The winner of the overall competition will have the choice between a trip for two to Las Vegas to meet Justin Timberlake (worth NZ$10,000!), or a trip for two to Australia to meet Stan Walker, or stay in our own beautiful New Zealand and meet Neil Finn.

Visit www.money4Jam.org now, and either register yourself and your own special talent or sponsor one of the amazing people who have already signed up!

Please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Magic Movers

Money4Jam Entrant The Magic Movers are front by Hasini De Silva. She is 23 years of age. She has attended StarJam for six years, performing in various concerts and loving every minute of it. She enjoys the hip hop dancing the Magic Movers, she has made many friends their which continues to motivate her to be more confident, passionate and gives her an improved self esteem.

Like all the kids who who participate in StarJam's performance programs they are encouraged to fulfill their potential in a supportive, and inclusive environment.

Hasini has also participated in Groovy Guitar, where I first had the pleasure to meet her. It has been my complete honor to watch her grow from a quiet girl in to a remarkable young woman who inspires others.

Watch the Magic Movers and other StarJam members video taken at the 2011 Halberg Awards. These kids truly are amazing and totally worth the support we can give them.

Now please go to the Magic Movers team page and sponsor them!

There isn't too many days left for you to involved so please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Moves like Jagger

Ashley, Emily and Amelia are BFF's and they like to move like Jagger. They also belong to StarJam and attend Central Rockin’ Hip hop. They say "It's awesome" and all three of them love it. Which the video they have entered for this year's Money4Jam proves!

Why don't you watch it now then head over their team page and donate to them so that they will be in with the chance to win one of the amazing experiences, either meeting Justin Timberlake in Las Vegas, Stan Walker in Australia or Neil Finn in New Zealand. They are very passionate about raising funds to help StarJam, as members they know first hand the amazing work StarJam does helping people like themselves achieve their full potential while inspiring others to do the same.



If you want to get involved please visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Michelle Williams

Michelle Williams is the M4Jer for today. She has a beautiful voice and is performing 'Tracks of My Tears' by Smokey Robinson which is her favorite song. Michelle is 'Jamming' for Rebecca Wake.

You can support Michelle by visiting her team page, every donation counts and goes towards a fantastic cause.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Money4Jam - Tyler White

We welcome Tyler White to Money4Jam today. She is a very talented young lady who sings, dances, models and acts. She has been in the NZ Variety Show Dec 2010, a singer with orchestra for live audience filmed for TV One. A Winner of North City Plaza Shooting Star Talent competition 2010 and represented New Zealand at the 2011 World Championship of the Performing Arts competition in LA, USA. http://www.wcopa.com/.

For this year's Money4Jam Tyler has entered an original song that has been written by herself and Barbara Griffin.

It is called "Living in the Past", you can support Tyler on her team page, every donation counts and goes towards a fantastic cause.

Watch Tylers video now.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and following us on Twitter @StarJam!

Fast ascent from Runway and another Standing Ovation

What a truly amazing evening

A-list celebrity called Tuesday’s Annah Stretton fashion week show, “Playfully cute” and rated it 10/10.

And that is how we’d also describe the second part of Annah Stretton’s show, the Celebrity Fashion Fundraiser. Models intermingled with Jammers to create an awesome spectacle. Simon Dallow, JamBassador extraordinaire, set the scene for a night to remember, seamlessly merging the Annah Stretton catwalk segment with the StarJam version.

Pastel colours, silks, bows and velvet voices

Jammers followed the professional models out onto the runway, looking stylishly feminine in Annah Stretton’s latest collection. There were skirts, sleeves, tights and plaid dresses. The twelve Jammers were beautiful, gorgeous and courageous.

In safe hands

Some of the Jammers were assisted down the runaway by three New Zealander’s netball stars, Kayla Cullen, Cat Latu and Bailey Meis and they each played their part in making the show memorable.

Dreamers anthem, Side by side, Green fluffy hats, and Amazing Grace

The audience was truly wowed when StarJam’s Velvet Vocals took to the centre of the catwalk to jam everybody with their songs, Dreamers anthem, Side by side, Green fluffy hats, and Amazing Grace. The standing ovation that followed, led a backstage TV reporter to comment that she’d never seen a standing ovation in seven years covering NZ Fashion week.So, that’s another amazing achievement for StarJam and our Jammers.

Not a dry eye in the house

If the emotion stirred from the Jammers courage and talent was not enough for the audience. Many tears were flowing when Jammer Olivia Shivas, burst into tears when awarded the well deserved honour of becoming a JamBassador.

Jambassador’s are someone who our Jammers look up to, and someone who we think has gone beyond the call to support our Jammers.

Our budding Journalist Olivia was lost for words and could only comment that her tears were ruining her make-up. Olivia we’re so proud of you and what you’ve achieved. You encapsulate what StarJam is all about – congratulations!

So, it was a fantastic end to day one for NZ Fashion week. Our thanks go once more to Annah Stretton and her team, to our sponsors Barfoot and Thompson, The Mad Butcher and Mainfrieight. And to all of you who bought a ticket to the show. We cannot hold events like this without your kind support. You made it an extremely special evening, we hope you enjoyed the show and above all that you were, “jammed!”

Check out TV3’s coverage of the show including backstage interviews with our Jammers

Donate now to help kids move of the waiting lists and into StarJam workshops.

Click back soon to see more photos from the show.

Money4Jam - Fireheart

Good evening readers of Spread the Jam. Today's post is for 'Fireheart' aka Karleigh Jones. She believes that all people should have the opportunity to show what they can do. Karleigh is an amazingly active girl who enjoys swimming, volunteering, and roller derby! (I have always wanted to try this Karleigh! But I have no balance or co-ordination). She has Asperger's Syndrome, Autism Spectrum Disorder so helping support StarJam is very close to her heart.

She is yet to post a video, so I will bring that too you hopefully very soon. She asked for ideas a few days ago so you can visit her Facebook Page and lend her your suggestions, I am thinking some Roller Derby would be great!

You can support Fireheart but vising their Team Page.

Keep an eye on the blog, over the next few days I will bring you more on the wonderful people who have signed up to help raise Money4Jam.

If you want to sign up and get involved Please Visit our Money4Jam website, we would also really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page.

Money4Jam - Bashaldë

Hello again Blog Readers!

We are off to a marvelous start this year with four new teams joining us to raise Money4Jam. Firstly we have Ben Matthew's Band Bashaldë. He is a one man band (for now) and a return entrant from last year. He writes all his own material, which he sings and performs on the guitar. Ben is heavily influenced by artists such as The Smashing Pumpkins, Green Day and Husker Du and describes his style as 'fast but catchy pop punk'. Here is a video of Ben performing at the StarJam Hamilton launch last year. We are hoping he posts some of his new work on YouTube, its sure to be a treat.

Ben has started his own Money4Jam Facebook Page and like us. This is a great way to stay up to date with all the news about Money4Jam.

Over the next few days I will posting on the other four entrants we have so far, Fireheart, Moves like Jagger and Tyler White.

Money4Jam 2011

And it's back! The biggest fundraising event of the year and this year Money4Jam is bigger than ever, with some completely amazing prizes. The first prize being flights for two too Las Vegas where you get to meet Justin Timberlake,or flights to Australia where you meet Stan walker,or the chance to meet with Neil Finn here in New Zealand. There are also lots of other prizes up for grabs and all you have to do is Jam... Video it, YouTube it and get all your family and friends to Support it!

Jam a song, rap, dance, jam an instrument, poem, scene or even jam some creative comedy. Simply enter yourself or a team and perform any way you want. Then get it on YouTube and start sharing your Money4Jam link with all your family, friends and workmates.
Spread it through your Facebook circles, tell people about it over the work water cooler, and remember to make sure your aunties and uncles are in the loop too. Encourage everyone you know to support you to help StarJam. The person or team who raises the most money (as at 12pm NZST, Friday 23rd September) has the choice of one of three prizes. The person or team who raises the second highest amount of money will be given the option to choose from the two remaining major prizes and the person or team who raises the third highest amount of money will be awarded the remaining major prize.

I would really love for you all to join us on the M4J Facebook page and you can find out all the details about the prizes and how to sign up this year on the website.

Hamilton's Sensational Singers Add Love

It was a good roadtrip for the Jammers from Hamilton's Sensational Singers to head east and over the Kaimai ranges to Whakatane to serenade a very special bride, their tutor. Kat who has been with this workshop group of Jammers since it started in April 2010, was married to Andrew today, Saturday 13th August. The Jammers sang Love Love Love, the Avalanche City's song of love. It was a beautiful occasion and I'm sure something the Jammers will remember for a long time to come. Congratulations Kat and Andrew and thanks for inviting the Jammers to sing at your wedding.

Annah Stretton Celebrity Fashion Fundraiser

Wow, this is an exclusive and unique event offering fashion fans and, in fact everyone, a unique experience; a first-ever at New Zealand Fashion Week. Hosted by Simon Dallow, enjoy the spectacular show where models, celebrities and StarJam’s young people share the catwalk. An interlude of beautiful songs written and performed by some of these first-time models, will follow the catwalk show.

Tickets will be snapped up so please be quick. This is where you go to get your tickets Grateful thanks to Eventfinder who have waived the booking fees to both tickets buyers and StarJam.








Watch out for more exciting news soon.

Anthony Jellyman Waikato Times' Article

Hi Everyone

Anthony Jellyman's StarJam JamBassador status hit the Waikato Times in his hometown of Hamilton yesterday - Page 5! He was conferred as a JamBassador via video by Sir Peter Jackson at the Wellington launch on Saturday 30th April. Click here for the link to the online version - unfortunately this doesn't have the lovely photo that is in the print version though.


Congratulations Anthony!

StarJam Wellington is officially launched!! Yay

Hi Everyone

Wow! What a weekend for StarJam - Saturday's official Wellington launch was a real blast! There were so many magical moments. The performers - Hamilton's Sensational Singers, Auckland's Magic Movers, Wellington's Renee Maurice and Hamilton's Anthony Jellyman & Holly Irvine - were total professionals and certainly wowed the Wellington audience. MC Simon Dallow did a fantastic job keeping everything running smoothly and Wellington's Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon and the Hon Annette King were eloquent as always .

Sir Peter Jackson filmed a special congratulatory video for the launch and an extra special video bestowing JamBassadorship on StarJam's Anthony Jellyman, who originally interviewed Sir Peter in 2003. The JamBassadorship was a complete suprise for Anthony in recognition of his committment to StarJam and its Jammers.

Extra Special Thanks go to the following StarJam supporters...

For financial and other assistance in getting StarJam up and running in Wellington: Air New Zealand, AXA Hearts in Action, Pub Charity and the Springhill and Frimley Trust.

For making the launch happen: Multi-media, John Maurice and Jermiah Straker, Debra Kelleher and the team from TVNZ Avalon, Mandi Lynn - from a la mode photographic boutique, Sue Bascand for leading the decorating team and Karen Nowell-Usticke for leading the catering team.

For coming along to our special day: Deputy Mayor Ian McKinnon, Hon Annette King, Children's Commissioner Dr John Angus and all our wonderful tutors, volunteers and Wellington families.

If you are interested in finding out more about our Wellington workshops or monthly get to gethers please email info@starjam.org or phone 0800 4 STARJAM (0800 478275).

More exciting news....Wellington workshops start week commencing 16th May 2011!

Hi Again

More exciting news - the StarJam Wellington weekly workshops are starting the week commencing 16th May 2011. We have six workshops in and around Wellington which are all held from 6.30pm to 8pm one night a week during the school term. You will find the timetable below. For further information or to enrol in one of these workshops please email info@starjam.org or phone: 0800 4 StarJam 0800 478275.

Timetable

Monday:

AXA Sensational Singing @ Hutt

The New Dowse

45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

AXA Groovy Guitar

The New Dowse

45 Laings Road, Lower Hutt

Tuesday:

Jazzy Jamming (Dance Workshop)

Te Whaea: National Dance and Drama Centre

11 Hutchison Road, Newtown

Wednesday:

AXA Dazzling Dance

Miramar Community Centre

27 Chelsea Street, Miramar

Dynamic Drumming

Johnsonville Community Centre

3 Frankmoore Avenue

Johnsonville

Thursday:

Sensational Singing @ Newlands

Newlands Community Centre

9 Batchelor Street, Newlands

Exciting news...StarJam Wellington New Jammers Day and Official Launch

Hi Everyone

We are really excited to announce that there is a Wellington New Jammers' Welcome Day on the 16th April and a launch party in our groovy capital city on the 30th April (please RSVP to louise@starjam.org if you are coming to the launch). Details are on the flyer on the right - click it to enlarge. If you have any queries on any Wellington activities then email info@starjam.org or phone 0800 4 StarJam 0800 478275.

Sri Lankan Food Fair

It's amazing what happens when people get Jammed. Hasini has been involved with StarJam for more than five years and when we met her she was very shy. Five years later here is Hasini giving her speech at the opening of the Sri Lankan Food Fair held on Saturday 29th Saturday at Panmure School. Her family rallied dozens of people from the Sri Lankan community to create a simply wonderful Food Fair to raise funds for StarJam. There was so much yummy food and heaps of people.

Here is Hasini's speech.


"Hi everyone. A very good morning to you all! I wish to say a very big thank you to you for coming to this Sri Lankan food fair, in support of StarJam. It is my great pleasure to share with you to what StarJam means to me. I am very proud that StarJam is the place which gave me the opportunity to perform on stage with confidence.

Thanks to StarJam and the help of our tutors, I got to experience in performing at several events with magical experiences.

We jammers, rock the stage when we perform, we put our hearts and souls in to it because that's what we love doing. At the end, when the crowds cheer us, we feel so proud of our selves, that's the best feeling in the world!

So this is what StarJam does to special kids like me, by organising several workshops where we meet friends, develop our talents, experience the joy of performing and feel like super stars!

Julie foundered StarJam for us, but she needs support from volunteeers like us to keep StarJam alive. So, on behalf of all jammers, I wish to say thank you very much to our community, for supporting StarJam by organising this big food fair to raise funds for StarJam.

Please enjoy a huge variety of our delicious Sri Lankan food.

Thank you all and have a good day.

Cheers Hasini

New Zealander of the Year Awards - Finalist News

Last Year StarJam was selected as a finalist in the New Zealander of the Year Awards in the community category. This year, Roy Bartlett, Co-Founder of StarJam as been chosen as a finalist in the senior category. That's pretty amazing! There have been more than 500 nominations for these awards.

Roy's been working in the 'good' sector since 1986 and so helped countless people along the way at the Alzheimers Foundation, Presbyterian Support, MS Society and Home and Family Society. Congratulations Roy!