TEENS DANCE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T NEWS ARTICLE

August 18, 2009

Almost $19,000! That is what the teens from St. Johns, who have participated in the Teens Dance For Those Who Can’t Dance A Thon have raised for charity over the past 3 years.  In their inaugural year of 2007, the teens raised over $5000 for The Leukemia Lymphoma Society.  Last year, they raised over $8500 for The Clinton County Council to prevent Abuse and Neglect.

Using the scripture verse, “You have turned my mourning into dancing” as their Dance A Thon motto, these teens continued their mission this year.  On Friday night, August 7, at St. Joseph School gym, from 10 pm till 7 am, about 120 St. Johns teenagers danced…and danced and danced.  And before they danced, they spent the months preceding the dance, raising money…over $5000 for Candlelighters Children’s Cancer Foundation of Michigan. The 12 teams of 10 teens each, competed with one another to see who could raise the most money.  The winning team raised over $1500!  According to Kelsey Bowles, winning team captain, their team had a great time, raising money.  “We did a pancake breakfast, bake sales, pop can drives and called family and friends for donations.  Next year we want to double what we made this year!”  She also said, “The dance a thon is a really fun time and I hope next year we can have even more teens involved in raising money for the charity we choose.”

TEENS DANCE FOR THOSE WHO CAN’T is a REMIX event created to support various charities, giving monetary support, as well as raising awareness of the charity.  Each year the teens choose a different charity.  They also hope to promote city-wide unity, and encourage collaboration among the high school teens and the St. Johns community. You can check out their website by going to www.teensdanceforthosewhocant.org.

The Dance-A-Thon Committee consisted of Nancy Poff (teams and entertainment) Kim Hogan (sponsors and website), Cathy Wirth (sponsors and food) Dorella Page-Hunter (decorations and float) and Sherri Winkler (food). and teen team captains: Alanna Olsen, Megan Ruestman, Alexa Ruestman, Paul Mohnke, Paige Burnash, Kelsey Bowles, Amber Pung, Caitlyn Pingel, Sean Seaver, Greg Paddock, Cassie Hartenburg, and Lyndsay Ruhf.

Several businesses helped to sponsor this event, and members of the dance-a-thon committee would like to thank them.  They are: CHARLESON CLUB ($500+) :Digital DJz and Richard Klender, Dance Instructor TANGO CLUB ($300+) Pilgrim United Methodist Church, St. Joseph Catholic Church, Applebee's, and Gentner Family Dentistry JITTERBUG CLUG ($100+) Bee's Motorsports, Dr. Christopher T. Beal, D.O., Firstbank Of St. Johns, Jan Sipkovsky, Kiwanis Club of St. Johns, Koenigsknecht Family Dentistry, McDonald's, Michigan Graphics & Signs, Quest Software, Alan & Wanda Kay, Scott & Yvonne Dzurka, Dale & Dorella Hunter, Silvestri Paint and Wallpaper, and Uncle Johns Cider Mill  BUNNY HOP CLUB ($50) 33 1/3 Street Sound, Andy T's Farms, Big Boy, Cancun Mexican Grill, Clinton County Medical Center, Hub Tire Center, Hungrie Howie's, Jackson, Jackson & Associates, Kroger, Main Street Pizza, Mancino's, NCG Cinemas, Party City, Ryan's Roadhouse, Self Serve Lumber, Shaggie's Ice Cream, and Subway.

The DAT committee would also like to thank: Mr. Dave Stukey and the St. Johns High School Drum Line for kicking off the night with a great performance;  Mrs. Rhonda Dilliberti from Candlelighters of Michigan who came and talked to the teens about the organization and how it helps families, like her own, who have had to endure the heartache of young family members diagnosed with cancer; the adult chaperones for the night; and members of Pilgrim and St, Joseph Churches who brought in food. A thank you to Lynn and Janet Thelen for the use of their trailer for our Mint Parade float (made memorable by the teens dancing to “The Cupid Shuffle”) and to Dennis Wirth and Dale Hunter for driving it.

A St. Johns area Christian teen organization, REMIX was formed a few years ago through the efforts of area church leaders and parents, REMIX’s mission is “to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with the youth in our community and to encourage them to celebrate their youth through acts of service and compassion, fun and Christian fellowship.” They currently sponsor Teens Dance For Those Who Can’t and Prayer At The Pole.  According to Poff, “We are still in the beginning phases of this organization…trying to get more area churches involved and brainstorming ways to bring the youth of our community together for opportunities to share their faith and fellowship. We are looking into possibly doing a Cardboard Box City overnight to raise awareness and money for homeless shelters.” 

"Don't let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example

 for the believers in speech, in life, in love, in faith and in purity." ~ 1 Tim 4:12