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Jingle Jangle Jamboree to benefit Eckerd foster care children

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SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF REPORT

Published: November 11, 2009

ODESSA - Jett Williams, Country Music Hall of Famer and daughter of county music legend Hank Williams, will perform at the second annual Jingle Jangle Jamboree on Saturday, Nov. 14.

The benefit will aid Eckerd Youth Alternatives, which serves more than 12,000 at-risk children in the area each year. The jamboree will take place from 6 to 11 p.m. at Starkey Ranch in Odessa.

Jett's story is a remarkable one, according to April Putzulu, communications manager for Eckerd Youth Alternatives, based in Clearwater.

Jett was born just five days after her father, Hank Williams, died an untimely death at age 29. Prior to his death, the country music legend had made arrangements for his mother to take custody of Jett upon her birth, with a promise to be involved in raising her as she grew older.

Jett's grandmother fulfilled his wishes, took custody of Jett and was pursuing adoption when she, too, passed away.

Surviving family members turned away, making Jett an orphan and a ward of the State of Alabama where she remained in foster care until eventually being adopted by another family in Alabama.

It wasn't until later in life that Jett discovered the truth - and the courts authenticated that Hank Williams was her birth father. In 1987 the Alabama Supreme Court ruled Jett was entitled to half of her father's estate.

She now serves as the "voice" for foster children and orphans across the world, and pays tribute to her father through her musical performances.

Fittingly, Jingle Jangle Jamboree will benefit thousands of children who, just like Jett, are being raised in foster care through no fault of their own, Putzulu remarked.

Jamboree guests also will enjoy an authentic Western-style barbecue, dancing under the stars, moonlit hayrides, cracklin' bonfires with S'mores and a silent auction extravaganza.

A famous Eckerd Youth Alternatives alum, celebrity chef and TV reality star Robert Hesse of "Hell's Kitchen" fame, is scheduled to make an appearance.

The benefit boosts the private, not-for-profit organization founded in 1968 by Jack and Ruth Eckerd, who believed every child deserved the opportunity to succeed, Putzulu explained. Eckerd Youth Alternatives operates nearly 40 programs in nine states, including more than 20 programs in Florida.

Advance tickets are available for a minimum donation of $125. Tickets can be purchased by calling 727-461-1236, ext. 266, or via the Eckerd Youth Alternatives Web site.

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