Note: This is an update that I wrote shortly after Jordaroo II took place in August of 2005. My intention was to try and have it printed in the paper and although that never happened, and it has been seven months since the event, I thought it necessary to pay my family’s respects to those who gave their time so unselfishly to show their continued support for Jordan and our family.

JORDAROO II ROCKED!!!

By Shannon Terry

My family and I were delighted to say the least when we were told there would be a Jordaroo II. The fact that Jordan remains in the hearts and minds of so many people is truly humbling for us. The outpouring of love and support from this community has been and continues to be amazing, especially from our family at Spankies.

Jordaroo is a fundraiser that was created in 2004 by Jordan’s good friend, Brandon Archer, in an effort to raise money so that Jordan could receive the best care and therapy possible. The day was deemed Jordaroo in homage to Jordan’s love of music and music festivals, most of all the pinnacle of Jordan’s year every year—Bonnaroo. While we were sad that Brandon couldn’t be here this year (and a little panicked) the planning was in good hands to say the least. My best friend of 23 years and Spankies kitchen manager, Becky Lamb; Spankies bar manager, Steve Jones; Spankies owner, Jon Josephson (J.J.) and our great family friend, Drew Denham took on the responsibility of organizing this wonderful event. It is the coolest thing to see people act out of real love and compassion and although putting on an event like this is a responsibility of enormous proportions, they did so with patience and grace all the way.

I arrived at Spankies that Sunday morning around 9:30 and watched as an empty parking lot became a small playground full of good food, good music and a lot of smiling faces. Thanks to the great artists and staff from the Appalachian Center for Craft, the art auction was a great success. More than 25 artists donated pieces to the auction and Craft Center staff donated their time helping with registration and collection. In an effort to have more variety this year, we sold commemorative DVD’s of Jordaroo I which were created by Amanda Malone and Kevin Lavellette (if you would like to purchase a DVD for $5 email me at shannonterryring@yahoo.com –all proceeds go to Jordan’s fund). We also set up a face-painting booth for the kids, which was adjoined with the T-shirt stand where we sold Jordaroo II T-shirts created by Andy Hill of Eyeblast Graphic Design.

Food and drinks were donated by Marble Slab Creamery, Papa Johns, PFG Lester, Miller Lite & SEC Enterprises, Papa Johns, International Jobbers, Eyeblast Graphic Design, Coca-Cola, Varietees, Audio Video Plus, Sweet Sally’s Bakery, Cookeville Regional Medical Center, Appalachian Center for Craft, Patrick’s Restaurant, Reel Sound Productions, Phillip Kagel, Vinnie T’s. And, not to be forgotten is the kitchen crew and wait staff at Spankies. Many of the current employees there only know Jordan through their coworkers, yet they gave just as much support and energy running the inside operation that day, as well as coming back and forth to run booths outside.

The variety of bands may not have made sense to some people, but that is just how Jordan would want it. Reelsound was there to insure great sound. Throughout the day we chilled out, rocked out and relaxed to great bands Zen Nudists, The Cause, Glomus, Heavy Petting Zoo, Fat Man Drool, Twelvefold, Sheep Trick, The Hot Pipes, and KMA. In the name of tradition the evening ended with a local version of The Band’s “The Weight,” which to many of Jordan’s friends is probably considered his anthem.

The day was a huge success. The only thing missing was Jordan himself. Our biggest thank you goes out to the owner of Spankies, JJ; Steve Jones, Drew Denham and Becky Lamb, without these guys none of this would have even taken place. Countless people came together that day and donated their time and talents, all in the name of Jordan and helping a friend. I cannot reiterate how thankful and grateful my family and I are for all of the support we have received since Jordan’s ordeal began. We appreciate your thoughts and prayers and especially your reminding us that you are in it with us.