Fun, food, and music are just a few of the reasons to attend the fourth annual Hammer Jam on Saturday, August 22 at Merry Acres, located at 1500 Dawson Road in Albany.  Hosted by the Flint River Habitat for Humanity, this year’s event is designed to bring awareness and raise funds for veteran’s housing programs in Lee and Dougherty counties.  

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 107,000 veterans are homeless on any given night, accounting for one-third of all homeless adults in the United States.  

“Such numbers are shocking, especially in a country whose very freedoms are built upon the blood and sweat of those who have served in the military,” said Jennifer Vanston, Flint River Habitat for Humanity executive director.  “It is an honor for Flint River Habitat for Humanity to be able to provide a successful veteran's programs that can help provide and assist with safe and affordable housing for our community's veterans in need. We are excited to share that we are close to having enough to break ground on our first veteran's home in Lee County—The House that Valor Built.”

“The most exciting change is that Hammer Jam will be outside at Merry Acres with a fantastic lineup of four amazing bands with a great location, great music, and great food for a great cause,” said Vanston. “It’s going to be a lot of fun.”

In addition to the musical performances, Hammer Jam will feature more than 50 silent and live auction items. For those looking to travel there are vacation packages to Walt Disney World, the Bahamas, Napa Valley, Calif., and Panama City Beach, Fla. In addition, hunting enthusiasts will have an opportunity to bid on trips in Georgia, Alabama, and Argentina. The auction will also feature a 1976 Ducks Unlimited Commemorative Shotgun, a Ruger model 10/22 rifle, and a Remington 887 tactical shotgun.   

“It will be an exciting live auction, lots of fun silent auction items, and a 50/50 raffle in addition to the fun giveaways,” said Vanston. “There is something for everyone and all proceeds go to helping veterans within our own community.” 

This year’s Hammer Jam sponsors include Toyota/Kia of Albany, Southern Point Staffing, CTSI, Proctor & Gamble, Wells Fargo, Fox31 News and the Albany Herald.

Tickets are available through the Flint River Habitat for Humanity website at http://www.flintriverhabitat.com/. Individual tickets are $25, and tables for four and six are also available, as well as tents to accommodate 12 people. Tickets are also available at the Flint River Habitat for Humanity ReStore, Merry Acres Inn and Event Center, CTSI and Harvest Moon. For more information, contact Flint River Habitat for Humanity at (229) 446-8199.