Jimmie Allen jams for Jessica
When Jessica Ortiz-Rosales passed away in July at the age of 40, she left behind a husband and four children.
Ortiz-Rosales died after kidney failure related to lupus. Thinking she needed to do something to help the family, Jessica’s friend Monica Mandujano first reached out to former Cape Henlopen High School classmate and Irish Eyes Lewes general manager Dana Smith, knowing of benefits the restaurant had done before. Smith persuaded Mandujano to text an old friend. It helped that this particular old friend had a No. 1 country music single to his name, Milton native Jimmie Allen.
“Jimmie’s like my little brother. We grew up together. One text, ‘Will you do this for me?’ Right away he said, ‘Yes,’” Mandujano said. “I’ve known him since he was 6 years old.”
It also helped that Allen was in the neighborhood to play a homecoming show at the Bottle and Cork in Dewey Beach. But before that, 250 people got to see him play a solo acoustic show at the Jam 4 Jessica at Irish Eyes in Lewes. Among those in attendance were Oriz-Rosales’ parents, Gregorio and Rosario.
All told, the event raised $8,000 through ticket sales alone, not including raffles, food sales and donations. Among the items available were gift cards to Mariachis, Arena’s and Tacos Chabelita of Laurel. For a $20 donation, guests were entered into a contest to win one of Allen’s guitars.
Prior to taking the stage, Allen took pictures with members of Ortiz-Rosales’ family. He was also greeted by Rep. Steve Smyk, R-Milton, and Rep. Lyndon Yearick, R-Dover, and was given a special proclamation from the Delaware House of Representatives celebrating his success. Allen began the show with his newest single, “Make Me Want To,” before giving a special shout-out to remember Ortiz-Rosales.
Mandujano said her friend would have been proud of the event.
“It means a lot to see the love and support of people coming out,” she said. “She would have loved it. She wanted to meet Jimmie, and she was going to go to the concert with me. I know she’s so happy right now.”
