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The Saturday Night Jamboree was organized in March of 1973.

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The Saturday Night Jamboree is a not-for-profit, tax-exempt organization which presents free monthly social gathering for all mentally- and /or physically-challenged person of any age, creed or color. In March of 1973 Mack Williams, because his twin daughters Dean and Jean, dreamed of a place where they could dance and enjoyed themselves without fear of embarrassment.

 

The group held its first meeting at Tideland Mental Health Association in Washington,

 

North Carolina and continued to to meet there until the facility was outgrown. It was

then that the Red Men's Tau Tribe #18 IORM "adopted" the "Jamboree" and has since

furnished a meeting place at their lodge each month.

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The meeting began with approximately twenty-five "clients" attending, but has grown to

more than 150 in attendance at some some gatherings. Clients rage in age from pre-teenagers to "keen-agers"

(those "upward" of sixty-five), and individuals and Group Home resident of Beaufort and surrounding counties are

included.

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We are tax exempt,  non-profit organization. Our funds are totally from private donations.

We get no assistance from any local , state or Federal Government. All work is done by volunteers; no salaries are paid to anyone. We buy gifts only for the handicapped persons whom we serve.

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Each monthly meeting features a band or loving DJ playing music for dancing or listening pleasure, and refreshments, which are furnished and served by area churches or organizations at no cost to Jamboree.

We honor all current-monthly birthday of each individually with a song. There are six special events held

each year on the first or second Saturday of the month. Clients are given name tags by the registrar who

keeps attendance records, and yearly perfect-attendance certificates are awarded to many "regulars".

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February brings the Valentine Jamboree, With its Post Office for card exchanges

March or April brings our western night where all don their cowboy duds

May features the spring prom when each client  receives a corsage or boutonniere Fresh flowers, clients receive

instant photographs made of them in there prom finery.

July the Red Men prepare and all the trimmings and hold games of bingo

October we celebrate Halloween with best costumes contest and special handout bags.

December Santa comes to deliver a box of chocolates and a card containing a crisp $5.00 bill to each client.

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This organization has been blessed with many loving individuals who have done so much to perpetuate this

program.

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Mr. William G. Peele was the first "promoter" who believed in the program and kept it existence before the public for the first ten years, until his death.

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The officers and the Executive committee have joined together to continue providing a safe and loving environment where clients can come , relax, dance and in general, enjoy themselves as the Saturday Night Jamboree begins it 50 year 2023.

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We would like to thank everyone that still helps and support The Saturday Night Jamboree.

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