Since the creation of The Jason Christopher Wilhelm Scholarship Fund in late 2008, The Memorial Picnic has become a place to promote the mission of The Fund, and several fundraisers, such as basket raffles and other giveaways, have been added to the day's events.
There has never been a charge to attend the Picnic, and all activities are optional. Live music is performed throughout the day, and informal sports games are organized on the field adjacent to the pavilion. A portion of the entertainment program will be specifically dedicated to Jason, and Fund recipients in attendance will be recognized.
The picnic begins at 12:00 PM, and ends before 8:00 PM, usually around dusk.
A Vehicle Use Fee of $7.00 per vehicle is required by New York State to enter Delta Lake State Park.
Delta Lake State Park
8797 State Route 46, Rome, NY GRAND
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Grand Prize Raffle Tickets available for purchase at the JayCW Memorial Picnic and from local organization representatives.
Internet sale of raffle tickets is prohibited. Drawings to be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 5:00 PM at Delta Lake State Park, Rome, NY. Winner need not be present to win.
Internet sale of raffle tickets is prohibited. Drawings to be held on Saturday, May 26, 2018 at 5:00 PM at Delta Lake State Park, Rome, NY. Winner need not be present to win.
This an all-ages event open to the public. While ensuring safety for and respect to all guests, responsible behavior also upholds the reputation of this organization and the events that allow it to continue serving those in need.
2015
JayCW Memorial Picnic
Saturday
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From Inspiration To Tradition
The first picnic was conceived and planned by Jay Wilhelm in 2008 as he approached the five-year anniversary of his initial cancer diagnosis on May 28, 2003. A rapidly accelerating decline in health brought the realization that the picnic represented the last chance for him to be seen by family and friends in a dignified and cheerful setting. The planning and anticipation gave Jason one good thing to look forward to while enduring the ever-increasing physical toll that could not be slowed or relieved.
Sadly, Jay would not attend his party. He passed away just four days before, on May 27, 2008. As the mourning arrived to grieve and attend services, a common desire was expressed to fulfill Jay's wish for a celebration of his five-year milestone. The First Annual Memorial Picnic was held as he had planned on May 31, 2008, at Delta Lake State Park... a wall of photos and flowers, a mix of family and class reunion, a day of food and music, old stories with new friends, a crowd of faces filled with tears and laughter for JayCW. The overwhelming positive energy and opportunity for healing ensured the Picnic would be an annual event.
The Setting
Delta Lake State Park, located ten minutes north of Rome, has provided an ideal setting for each year's Memorial Picnic. A secluded grove of trees surround and shade the pavilion, which hosts the entertainment, presentations, and merchandise sales. Bordering the pavilion area is a large mowed field large enough for several games of frisbee and softball. Walking trails allow a quiet break from the festivities, and a nearby public beach is available for a quick dip.
Fitting In A Day's Fun
Truckloads of fun arrive on the morning of the Picnic. After we find a way to squeeze all the games, activities, raffle prizes, merchandise, food and drink supplies, and music equipment into vehicles headed for Delta Lake State Park... we unload and figure out how to make it all fit in and around the pavilion. Here's a brief overview of what's in store:
- Get an early start at 10:00 AM as a spectator at the inaugural JayCW 5K Run and Walk.
- The Cornhole Tournament continues as an annual quest for bragging rights.
- Our Basket Raffle continues to be the competition of craft and creativity, with an entire wall of one-of-a-kind baskets with uncommon value.
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We'll have the single course shown in the first half of this video, not the double side-by-side.
[It won't fit!] 
In-Home Care Services
Thank you to Ron and Karen Scales of Home Helpers for sponsoring both Varano Super Jump inflatables at the 2018 JayCW Memorial Picnic, allowing us more critical funding for those in need.
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Recommended You Bring:
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What's Provided:
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All-Day Entertainment
Professional musicians and groups, from all genres and styles, perform throughout the day in tribute to Jason and his love of music with a free-flowing program of unexpected collaborations and reunions. A separate section of the program is reserved for more solemn songs dedicated to Jason, concluding with a combined performance of The Beatles' "Let It Be". Also, up and coming players are encouraged to show their skills in a tradition which Jay encouraged and benefited from as a young drummer. Due to the volatile schedules of working musicians, an exact schedule of performers and times is not possible.
Who's Playing This Year?
Here's who we have planning to perform so far,
NOT listed in order of appearance:
Check back often to see who else is planning to play!
NOT listed in order of appearance:
Check back often to see who else is planning to play!
More Than A Picnic
This event represents much more than a day of fun, food and music.
- To Jason's family and friends, it is an opportunity to confront together the ongoing pain of living without him. Most will spend this day feeling more directly connected to his spirit and memory than any other.
- To the founders of the Scholarship Fund, it is a means to expand the reach of its mission and raise awareness of its cause.
- To the Fund's recipients, it is a chance to understand what inspires people to contribute in the name of Jason Wilhelm.
- To others, it may be a first encounter with the spirit of community giving that helped shape Jay's character.
We hope you will join those who have gained something individually meaningful from the day's experience, lasting far beyond one day of fun, food, and music.