Bennett Jam raises funds for Stillwater 6th grader
Tuesday, April 21, 2015
OSU’s Bennett Hall hosted the 36th annual Bennett Jam, a benefit concert , raised nearly $1,600 for a Stillwater student.
This year’s recipient is a Stillwater 6th grader named Austin Hooten. He was diagnosed with Burkitt’s Lymphoma last fall and has since finished chemotherapy. However his journey didn’t end there. During his treatment, his doctors found a heart condition that will require surgery once his immune system is stronger.
The concert’s goal is to help Hooten’s family defray some of the medical costs as well as show support from the community.
The residential hall works hard to put on an event that is not only fun, but also bring awareness to how students can easily help the Stillwater community. Catherine Wilson is the president of Bennett Hall’s Community Council and, with the help of her fellow executives and community council members, spent the semester planning this event.
“Bennett Jam is so important to us because it gives us a chance to give back to the Stillwater community,” Wilson said. “OSU wouldn't be the incredible place it is without all Stillwater provides us, and this is a small way for us to give back to the community that gives so much to us.”
The benefit has raised close to $1,600 thus far, but they anticipate raising more as they continue to sell shirts at Bennett. All of the proceeds raised go toward Hooten.
For more information about Hooten’s battle, visit facebook.com/healingforhooten.
Story by Katie Rosebrook