StarSpecular result from Air New Zealand ’s first online charity auction
Cutting StarJam’s first record at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio
First meeting for 2007 – Friends & Fans Regroup

StarSpecular result from Air New Zealand ’s first online charity auction.

Air New Zealand played Santa Claus leaving StarJam a wonderful $88,115.00 Christmas present to kick start 2007. In their first online charity auction Air New Zealand raised a total of $264,347.84. “We have been absolutely overwhelmed by the response and the amount we’ve been able to raise for Starship Foundation, Make-A-Wish New Zealand and StarJam through this auction,” said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe.

StarJam was invited to perform at the auction launch which was on 7th December. At Air New Zealand ’s new building, Four of the Jammers who had been on a never to be forgotten trip to USA last year, had a wonderful time jamming with top hip hop group Spacifix. The 200 strong audience enjoyed the amazing blend of music and balloons filled the sky marking the launch of the auction.

Twelve days later the auction closed revealing the very happy result. It had offered more than 60 lots, including travel across the airline’s entire network and a range of once-in-a-lifetime experiences. Not surprisingly one of the most fiercely contested items was a flight simulator ride with All Blacks captain Richie McCaw, which generated the highest number of bids before finally selling at $7,250.

The boost to StarJam’s funds will greatly help to expand the number of opportunities we can provide to young people with disabilities to experience joy in their hearts and the belief that anything is possible. A HUGE thank you to everyone at Air New Zealand (and to Patrick Bellett for snapping the pix at the auction launch)

Cutting StarJam’s first record at Neil Finn’s Roundhead Studio

When Jammers enrolled in the Sensational Singing CoolJam workshop last year, they would never have thought that within months they would be making a CD for StarJam. Many of the Jammers who had sung their way through 2006, where ready to make a space in their summer holiday plans to get rehearsing and get recording. Two of the Jammers who have written songs previously for StarJam, Jono Heaps and Renee Maurice (from Picton – down south) spent several days writing and arranging the song. Nine others spent time rehearsing over two days before heading to the recording studio. Neil Finn generously donated the use of his spacious studio for this exciting adventure..

Getting down to business in the recording studio

A big big StarJam thank you to Eddie Rayner (ex Crowded House & music director for New Zealand Idol) who donated his time and expertise to be the producer

Watch this space for more news on the release of the song!!!

First meeting for 2007 – Friends & Fans Regroup

Four most of 2006 we were bursting at the seams whenever the StarJam community gathered, as more and more people came to join in the fun. Good luck seems to come in threes with the shift to a great new venue for our monthly meetings. The Garden Community Hall at Western Springs has given us some breathing space again and plenty of room for grooving, celebrating and jamming.

Even though it was Anniversary weekend with many heading to the beach, around 70 people came to see each other and catch up ready for the year ahead.

Cushla Taylor and Michael Dunn do a spontaneous performance of a “High School Musical” song,
Everyone was dancing despite the heat
Freedom Harrison dances with her Niece, Danika

CoolJam enrolments for all the workshops in the first term on 2007 are all but full, so the year is promising to be ‘ to the max ‘ , yet again. We always love to hear from you and thank you for all your support.