During the Member Spotlight portion of the recent Community Matters meeting, Lisa Duet reported on the success of the Jasper Jeep Jam and Overlanding Rally to raise funds for other events.
Duet worked as the director of the Jasper Advertising and Promotion Commission for two years. She also serves on the Newton County Fair Board.
According to Duet, the Jeep Jam brought in $6,000 the first year. Funds were used for tours and the Sparks in the Park event. The second year, Jeep Jam brought in $21,000. The funds are being held by the Jasper Arkansas Foundation.
Jeep Jam is a private event, now, and is anticipated to triple in size and income in its third year. It is held the second weekend in March. The funds raised will be “given back” to meet needs in the community, Duet said. There will be fundraising events, sponsors, etc. It takes around $10,000 to hold Jeep Jam. Those funds go toward awards, VIP experiences, education, and other activities.
It is a big tourism event and promotes Jasper and Newton County, Duet emphasized. Duet is looking to Community Matters to help identify needs of organizations, communities, either within or who serve Newton County.
She would like to have 10 applicants for disbursement of funds from the next Jeep Jam.
Jeep Jam will be the primary funding source, but other fundraising will supplement that income. Several needs were mentioned in discussion. Applications will be due by the end of August. An Memorandum of Understanding between the event and Community Matters was discussed.
