Guests Jump, Jive, and Wail at the Jingle Bell Jive

 

[January 01, 2025] 

The newly refurbished ballroom of the Lincoln Park District was a lively scene on Saturday night as the Jingle Bell Jive charity dance brought some swing to Lincoln. Rosie and the Rivets from Chicago played favorite songs from the 1950’s to today while couples showed off their best cha-cha and swing steps.

Jon Young (center with black hat)
and Rosie and the Rivets

Jon Young of Young Dance, Inc. organized the event as a fundraiser for the Land of Lincoln Honor Flights, the first time he has organized a benefit for that organization. Young looked at this event as a way to honor his father, military veteran Paul Young, who passed away in August.

This is not the first event that Young has organized for the Lincoln community. Previously, he has organized a charity dance to support the Lincoln Park District foundation, and he and partners have offered dance lessons at the Lincoln Park District Recreation Center, as well.

Although Young resides in Bloomington, he hosts charity dances all over central Illinois, most often in Peoria. Proceeds from the dances go toward local nonprofits and charitable organizations. Young’s goal is to provide an option for fundraising different from the common spaghetti dinners and bake sales, and one that provides fun and positive social opportunities for the community.

With a mission of bringing a passion for ballroom, Latin, and swing dancing into communities, Young keeps the ticket fees for dances and classes very affordable. The Jingle Bell Jive accepted donations for the Land of Lincoln Honor flights, and Young partnered with business sponsor Verdant Salon of downtown Lincoln for the dance, as well as a Peoria-based caterer to provide drinks and a buffet for dancers. Young stated, “We really want to be part of this community.” Young’s goal for the Jingle Bell Jive was to raise $1000 for the honor flights, and by the end of the night donations totaled $1150.

The next charity dance Young will host will be in Peoria at Lindenhof of Peoria on January 12 in support of Affinity Illinois Dance Center of Washington, IL. This dance will feature a Broadway theme and offer all types of ballroom, Latin, and swing dance opportunities. For more information about upcoming dances and dance classes, please visit https://www.youngdanceinc.com.

[Stephanie Hall]