Denim and Diamonds Gala Saturday - Jamestown Sun

Tickets are $40 to attend the event starting at 6 p.m. at the Quality Inn & Suites, 507 25th St. SW, Jamestown. Proceeds from the annual gala go to benefit Make-A-Wish North Dakota and the JakeStar organization to provide ATV safety training around the state through North Dakota Parks and Recreation.

"Last year the gala was sold out with 200 tickets sold, and raising more than $34,000," Lambrecht said. "This was the most attendees we have had since our inception of the gala."

The four Denim and Diamonds Gala events since 2015 have collectively raised $102,000. The funds have sponsored six local children with life-threatening conditions to take part in Make-A-Wish North Dakota and provided ATV training for 700 youth over age 12 so far through JakeStar Inc.

The average cash cost of a wish is $7,000 cash and $5,200 in-kind donation of goods and services, said Tori Schrantz, communications and outreach coordinator for Make-A-Wish North Dakota. The gala partnership has essentially adopted six local wishes, she said.

JakeStar organizes the event and Make-A-Wish is available as a resource to help plan and execute where it's needed, she said. Make-A-Wish families also participate by sharing their story at the event to show what the gala support has meant for a family with a critical illness, she said.

"We've been very fortunate to have the opportunity to partner with JakeStar on the Denim and Diamonds Gala over the years," said Billi Jo Zielinski, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish North Dakota. "They are a very dedicated group of people who, by hosting this event, have made sure that we are able to continue granting wishes in the Jamestown area. This community event and all who are involved directly impact the lives of local children fighting critical illnesses."

James Shockman of JakeStar Inc. said the organization was created in memory of the life and spirit of Jacob Shockman, who passed away at age 8 on April 22, 2012. The purpose of the organization is to promote ATV safety and prevention for children, support similar organizations, and support others by celebrating life in a unique and entertaining way.

Events like Denim and Diamonds do a lot to help the organization, Shockman said.

"JakeStar does not have any paid employees so volunteers our vital to our organization's continued success," he said.

The JakeStar training is conducted in partnership with North Dakota Parks and Recreation, Shockman said. JakeStar has been recognized several times for extraordinary efforts in off-highway vehicle safety certifications since 2012, he said.

Contact Lynn Lambrecht, organizer and president of the Jamestown Downtown Association for tickets and sponsorship information at 320-7217 or purchase online at " target="_blank">jakestar.org/denim-and-diamonds-tickets.

http://bit.ly/2FA6kM1