The Evolution

There was a time, in the not so distant past, when debauchery and decadence were officially encouraged by The JAG Fund. During these provocative years, the Board of Directors routinely honored the male and female Tube Float weekend participants who danced the hardest, stayed out the latest and generally behaved the poorest with the sovereign titles King and Queen of the Tube Float. Figureheads though they were, the Kings and Queens from this generation, like Jay Altmeyer (’92) and Maureen “Moe” Dee (’92), the original Tube Float King and Queen, conveyed a certain “joie de vie” that captured the spirit of the times and the organization. Each year, new sets of eager and impulsive participants brought their “A-games” to Tube Float weekend to contend for the coveted titles.

As any long time participant can tell you, the JAG Fund has evolved over the years, and with it, the criteria for Tube Float King and Queen has changed. That is not to imply that the early Tubehead was a Cro-Magnon like creature, whose primitive fundraising skills and excessive beer consumption nearly resulted in species extinction. Nor does this statement suggest that the modern Tubehead has completely evolved, abstaining from frivolous entertainment in the interest of maximized charitable donations. Such comparisons do little justice to early and modern Tubeheads, all whom have been committed in their own ways to the mission and legacy of the JAG Fund.

Nevertheless, evolution has certainly occurred, and no change has been more profound than the commitment of Tube Float participants to the organization and its fundraising mission. When one traces the twenty plus year history of the JAG Fund, it becomes abundantly clear that, somewhere along the way, the Tubehead became more engaged by the charitable possibilities of the organization. This “discovery of fire moment” prompted an evolution in the JAG Fund and, in many respects, has made the modern Tubehead a more conscientious philanthropist.

This change was not lost on the Board of Directors, who at the prompting of long time participant Matthew Williams, Esquire, revised the criteria for the Tube Float monarchy to reward diligent fundraising and event supporting efforts in addition to feats of social proficiency. The result was staggering and immediate. Despite mediocre dance skills and early bedtimes, well known wallflowers such as Greg Barber (’00), Bob Baisch (’01), Chris Weleski (’02), Missy Weleski (’03), Megan DiMuzio (’04), and Angie Cardello (’05) used their inherently studious natures and stellar fundraising abilities to earn their Tube Float King and Queen status.

From Jay Altmeyer and Moe Dee (the original King and Queen in 1992) through Peta Canale (Co-King ’05), the commitment and enthusiasm of our Tube Float Kings and Queens, whether on the dance floor or out seeking donations, has sustained the organization and strengthened our cause. As the years pass, the JAG Fund will continue to appreciate the efforts of its faithful and generous contributors and honor those who go above and beyond the call of duty as Tube Float Kings and Queens, because we would not be here without you.

KINGS AND QUEENS