Jana Mackey left a legacy of courage and strength. She spent her entire life fighting for justice and equality for all. Jana dedicated her life to social change and making this world a better place. Jana’s Light Will Shine was written to encourage every one of us to carry on where Jana left off and find the courage to defeat injustice. We don’t have to let the world tell us who to be. We can be the feet and hands of change. It is our deep desire that this song will inspire you to carry on Jana’s work…to let the light move beyond yourself. Carry on, carry on, til all your strength is gone.
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Lance Stafford and Jill Arensdorf
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Hays, KS – Jana’s Campaign, Inc., proudly announces that the second annual Empty Place at the Table Fundraiser held September 28 at the Robbins Center on the Fort Hays State University campus successfully produced over $15,000 in revenues. “We are very pleased with the weekend’s results, both in regard to the funding generated but also with the awareness raised and call to action that resounded throughout the evening of the event,” said Eric Sader, Executive Director of Jana’s Campaign.  “I know that even with expenses accounted, funds significantly exceeded last year’s initial efforts, so we are well on our way to expanding the programs the Campaign can provide to the movement to end gender violence.”

Sader spoke to the crowd as the keynote speaker, informing the community about his background and the Campaign’s upcoming programs and initiatives.  Prominent among these is a concerted effort to raise funds in support of eliminating teen dating violence among rural Kansas communities.  Engaging men and boys about a dialogue on respect and masculinity is an even more specific emphasis.  This includes new efforts at Thomas More Prep-Marian among its football teams with its participation in the evidence-based curriculum Coaching Boys into Men.  Two other regional school districts, Plainville and Logan, are also in the process of implementing the program with boys on sports teams of their own.

Empty Place at the Table succeeded in making the community a healthier one by gathering around the table in solidarity for change, eating, drinking, and making a difference.
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“And a special thanks absolutely must be extended to the many community and even national partners that came together to provide auction items, food, beverages, and even centerpieces.  These partners included:  Chartwells, the FHSU Foundation, Jacobs Graphics, Matt Peters Photography, Rejuvenations Day & Med Spa, Schneider Auctioneer Services, Sharon and Don Schinstock, Luke Johnson, Western Beverage, Eagle Communications, Thirsty’s Brew and Pub, Crossroads Photography, KU Athletics, Hays Storage Systems, FHSU Athletics, Soroptimist International of Hays, the Cedar Lodge Dental Group, Kristin Tardiff and Molly Welch, KSU Athletics, and Aaron Gruber,” said Sader.