Jason's Tree Campaign

[Kelly]

Jason's Tree Campaign
A Fundraiser for Project Jason


Jason Jolkowski

We planted a tree today. A seed was pushed deep into the earth, plunging it into a dark and sometimes cold environment. 

-When Jason disappeared 11 years ago, we were forced into a place of darkness, not knowing what became of him or if we would ever see the light of a normal day again.

Despite the odds against it, the seed we planted began to evolve.  Roots pushed their way deeper into the soil, battling against other occupants of the world underneath, but yet, the ground above remained unbroken.

-Jason was still counted among the missing. No matter what we tried or did, there was not a trace of him. Despair seemed as if it could choke our very existence and abandon us, but there was something taking root within, something we could not begin to imagine.

One Spring day, the sun came from behind the clouds and its rays settled upon a tiny brown stem. The stem took strength from the sun and grew thicker and taller.

-We weren't certain that life without Jason would stop being like a dark and unending dream, a surreal state we wanted to waken from. Family, friends, and the community gathered around us and sustained us and it did.

Seasons passed, and at times strong winds and violent storms threatened the growing tree. Against all odds, it flourished and began to provide sustenance to anyone who happened upon it.

-It seemed incredible to us that no answers would come. Who could think such a nightmare would continue on? Frightening events and predators at times shook us to the core. Was this badly beaten body his? Why would someone be so cruel as to say they knew where he was, when they knew nothing at all?

Despite it all,  we were able to honor Jason with the creation of his namesake nonprofit, and help other persons dealing with the same trauma and tragedy. Just as we found sustenance through knowledge gained, supporters, family and friends, so too can families of the missing through Project Jason.

Now, just as the tree we planted needs sunlight and water in order to grow and provide even greater benefit to its surroundings, Project Jason needs your help to branch out and reach more families who are left in darkness and despair trying to find their way through this unique trauma. 

About the Campaign

Jason's Tree Campaign begins on June 13th, 2012, the 11 year mark of Jason's disappearance.  The purpose of the campaign is to strengthen Project Jason's general fund so that we can continue providing services to these families in need.

We ask that you consider any donation, large or small. Every contribution will help grow the organization, sheltering and sustaining many under its protective canopy, just as sunlight and rain sustain the tree, so that as it grows, the branches and leaves provide shelter and replenish the earth.


Project Jason's first public event

Project Jason's goal in the Jason's Tree Campaign is $9, 000 to commemorate the 9th anniversary of the nonprofit. The campaign ends on the founding day, October 6. Suggested donation amounts include $11, which represents the number of years Jason has been missing, $31, which is the age Jason is on his birthday on June 24, 2012, and $90 as a tribute to Project Jason volunteers for nine years of dedication to assisting families of the missing. All contributions are appreciated.

About Jason's Tree

For supporters in the Omaha area, the real Jason's tree can be seen at Robert's Park, 2 blocks north of Cass on 78th Street, right along the Keystone Trail.  (Mile marker 1/4 North of Dodge for trail users) It was planted on June 13, 2012 in honor of Jason as the first honoree tree planted by the Omaha Parks Foundation. The Jolkowski family selected a tree dedication along the trail in honor of Jason because of his love of walking,  its contribution to a better environment, and in giving back to the community . 

About Jason Jolkowski: http://projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=131.0

What does Project Jason do with your donation?

Project Jason is an all-volunteer nonprofit organization and does not utilize paid fundraisers or other employees. There is no overhead as the volunteers work out of their homes. Every effort is made to stretch each dollar to the fullest.

Ongoing costs include monthly telephone and long distance, website space and domain names, PO box, paper, ink, postage, and related office supplies, poster, ID kits, and brochure printing costs, and fees to keep IRS documentation current. Families of the missing are never charged for any of our services.

Funding, both private and corporate, is needed to be able to expand and continue our Keys to Healing family member retreat. With appropriate funding, we will be able to decrease costs for the family members to attend and ensure that we offer the highest quality experience of aiding the minds, bodies, and spirits of the family members during this retreat.

What can I do to Help?

You can mail a check or money order to:

Project Jason
PO Box 3035
Omaha, NE, 68103

You can also donate online at http://projectjason.org/help.shtml

If you'd like to be acknowledged publicly in our campaign updates, please let us know when you submit your donation.

Thank you for caring about the missing.

Photo story of Jason's Tree dedication: http://projectjason.org/forums/index.php?topic=131.msg67766#msg67766

[Denise Harrison]

For Immediate Release

Contact:
Kelly Jolkowski:  kelly.jolkowski@projectjason.org

Tree Dedicated in Honor of Missing Omaha Man

Omaha, NE -- June 12, 2012 -- June 13, 2012 will mark eleven years since Omaha teen Jason Jolkowski disappeared from the driveway of his Benson area home where he lived with his parents and younger brother.  Since then, Jason's family has worked tirelessly to find him, but they still need the help of the public to remember he is still missing and help find the answer to this decade plus mystery.

To mark this day, Jason's family have purchased the first tree honoring a loved one made available through the new Memorial and Tribute program with the Omaha Parks Foundation.  The tree is a red maple and will be planted on June 13th near Robert's Park, (2 Blocks north of Cass on 78th St) which is alongside the Keystone Trail. (Marker 1/4 North of Dodge for trail users)

The Jolkowski family selected a tree dedication along the trail in honor of Jason because of his love of walking, its contribution to a better environment, and in giving back to the community . The family will be present at 6pm for a brief dedication. They will also hand out updated posters of Jason. Jason's family will share with media their thoughts on having a loved one missing for more than a decade.

If you have any information about Jason, call the Omaha Police Department at (402) 444-5818. Or you can call anonymously to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at Call the toll-free Hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) 24-hours a day.

In addition to the tree dedication marking the 11 years,  the organization will launch a fundraiser, Jason's Tree.  The campaign will run through October 6, has a goal of raising $9,000, which will be used to provide services for families nationwide, including the annual Keys to Healing retreat, which is the only event known to teach coping skills to families of both missing children and adults suffering this unique trauma.
 
Jim, and his wife, Kelly, founded Project Jason, a 501 c 3 nonprofit, in 2003 in honor of their son. Project Jason assists families nationwide with support and tactical advice.
 
Project Jason website: projectjason.org