Band director raises $1,000 in tips in memory of councilman who died from cancer…Wins challenge with mayor of Athens to swap jobs for one day

Jennifer Janzen and Celebrity Waiter Frank Travis with Jimmy Gill’s family

ATHENS-A band director won a fundraising challenge to swap her baton and podium for the mayor’s seat.

East Limestone Band Director Jennifer “Miss Sam” Janzen raised $1,000 in tips at Tuesday’s City of Athens Relay for Life Celebrity Waiters Night at Applebee’s. Janzen competed against five Celebrity Waiters including Mayor Ronnie Marks to raise the most in tips. She had challenged Marks that if she beat him, he had to sub for her one day, and she got to be mayor.

East Limestone band parents and band students flocked to Applebee’s to support her.

“I’m going to write band proclamations all day,” Janzen said. “I think I’ll make Mayor Marks sub for the last day of school.”

Although “talking smack” with Marks is one aspect of the annual event she enjoys, this year’s personal goal of $1,000 had special meaning. The City’s Relay Team held this year’s event in memory of Councilman and Relay Team member Jimmy Gill who died on Easter after his second battle with cancer. Gill won the top waiter honors the past three years, raising over $900 last year.

City of Athens Relay for Life Captain Holly Hollman said she visited Gill in the hospital earlier this year, and he asked when Celebrity Waiters was scheduled. Gill wanted to raise $1,000 this year.

Jennifer Janzen with Mayor Marks

“I didn’t raise this $1,000. Jimmy raised this $1,000,” Janzen said. “We all missed him being here trying to sneak and get tips from our tables. I appreciate everyone who came out to support our efforts to do Jimmy proud.”

Gill’s wife Deborah and other members of his family congratulated Janzen on reaching her goal for their loved one. Marks said Gill would have enjoyed knocking Janzen off her throne of victory.

“He would have held back one donor and made that donor write him a check big enough to beat her,” Marks said. “He loved to win at Celebrity Waiters.”

In a way, Gill still won Tuesday night. The Celebrity Waiters raised $3,036.20 for the American Cancer Society in honor his memory.

The Celebrity Waiters and their totals were:

East Limestone Band Director Jennifer “Miss Sam” Janzen – $1,000

Mayor Ronnie Marks – $620

Actor/Playwright Frank Travis – $535

Attorney Shane Black – $420

Limestone County Revenue Commissioner Brian Patterson – $284

Councilman Chris Seibert – $177.20 (with one donation not yet turned in)