|
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.
[to top of second column] |
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] |
