Community rallies to support Jerad Kratzmeyer at 'Jams for Jerad' fundraiser

Music, fellowship and generosity filled the historic ballroom of the Beckham Hotel on July 18 as friends, family and community members gathered for the "Jams for Jerad" fundraiser to support Mineola resident Jerad Kratzmeyer in his battle with cancer.

Although Kratzmeyer was unable to attend because of his health, organizers made sure he remained at the center of the evening. Event organizer Amye Cox encouraged everyone in attendance to take photos and videos during the fundraiser and share them on social media so Kratzmeyer could experience the outpouring of love from home.

The fundraiser, held inside the Beckham Hotel's ornately restored ballroom, featured live music, a silent auction, a live auction and opportunities for visitors to write personal notes and encouraging messages that would later be delivered to Kratzmeyer and his family. Built in 1886, the Beckham Hotel provided a fitting backdrop for the community gathering, with staff describing the ballroom as a restored venue reminiscent of the Roaring '20s.

The afternoon opened with traditional country music performed by Ron Lawson, joined by his wife, Cathy Lawson, and bassist Tom Rice. The trio entertained guests with a selection of classic country favorites as attendees browsed auction items, visited with friends, and placed opening bids during the silent auction.

Partway through the performance, Cox welcomed the crowd and offered an opening prayer before Lawson and the band continued performing until approximately 5:30 p.m.

The silent auction ran from 3 to 6:30 p.m., allowing attendees to bid on a wide variety of donated items before transitioning into a live auction. Rather than starting from scratch, each item opened during the live auction at the highest bid established during the silent auction, creating excitement as bidders competed for unique pieces while raising additional funds for Kratzmeyer.

Orbin Smith served as auctioneer for the evening, keeping the bidding lively while encouraging friendly competition among supporters.

One of the night's most memorable moments came during the auction of an Epiphone banjo.

Local musician Dale Floyd became locked in a spirited bidding war with an audience member, with neither wanting to give up the instrument. The bidding steadily climbed until it reached $600 before Floyd finally conceded, drawing applause from the crowd as the winning bidder claimed the banjo.

Following Lawson’s performance, Floyd took the stage from 5 to 6 p.m., entertaining guests with a mix of classic country and rock favorites, including several songs by Creedence Clearwater Revival.

Throughout the evening, guests filled the dance floor between conversations and visits to the auction tables. Among those dancing were Cox's niece, Samantha Walls, and her fiance, Morgan Waggoner, adding to the relaxed, family atmosphere that characterized the fundraiser.

Many attendees reflected on Kratzmeyer’s willingness to help others over the years.

Julie, an attendee who declined to provide her last name, said Kratzmeyer’s kindness had personally impacted her.

“Jerad has given so much to the community,” she said.

She recalled one experience that stood out:

“My car was pretty much dead, and Jerad fixed it and eased me into it, like I was family,” she said.

As the evening continued, attendees stopped by a special table where they wrote cards, shared personal memories and left words of encouragement for Kratzmeyer and his wife, Sonya, creating a collection of heartfelt messages to remind them they were not facing the journey alone.

Later in the evening, Cox and her mother, Nelda Cox, performed together, including one of Kratzmeyer's favorite songs, "My Rifle, My Pony and Me," a performance that resonated with many in attendance.

The night's entertainment concluded with Dennis Lohr, who stepped in on short notice after the scheduled headlining band, 65 dB, was forced to cancel. Despite the last-minute change, Lohr delivered an energetic performance that kept guests engaged through the fundraiser's close.

After the event concluded, Cox reflected on the overwhelming support shown by the community.

“I was very pleased at the turnout for the auction,” she said. “We had a wonderful time of fellowship and friendships. I have been truly moved from the very beginning of this gift to both of my friends.”

She thanked the musicians, volunteers, donors and local businesses that made the event possible.

“I’m thankful for every performer that came and gave their talents and also for the love of the volunteers and the ones who gave money, items and left notes to send home with Sonya,” Cox said. “I’m thankful for Sarah and Chris for the gift of using the Beckham Hotel to help Jerad and his family. It was a blessing.”

Cox said the generosity of those attending continued through the end of the evening.

“All together at the end of the night we had a last-minute donation that brought the fundraiser to $4,000, a gift of love,” she said. “I hope the town of Mineola and the surrounding towns know how grateful I am. I say thank you!”

While the evening raised much-needed financial support, it also demonstrated something less tangible but equally meaningful: the strength of a community coming together to support one of its own. Through music, laughter, stories and shared generosity, those gathered at the Beckham Hotel ensured that, even in his absence, Jerad Kratzmeyer was surrounded by the love and encouragement of the community he has spent years serving.