By MATT PIKE
This Saturday, the Dance Arts Center will once again support Voices of Courage during the annual Chance to Dance fundraiser at the historic Missouri Theatre.
The event, going into its 20th year, has raised a large amount of money thanks to the community to support Voices of Courage and it's efforts in providing services to children and families who have experienced abuse.
Voices of Courage Executive Director Melissa Birdsell says even not being a part of it from the beginning, having this fundraiser for the past 20 years has been great
"Marla is a ball of energy, but what we've come to love about it is it's kids helping kids," Birdsell says on the KFEQmunnity show.
Director of the Dance Arts Center Marla Heeler launched Chaance to Dance when she moved back to St. Joseph and says 20 years has really flown by.
"It's gone really fast and it's an amazing milestone, the community has supported it and that Voices of Courage have continued to let me do this for 20 years, and so it's very humbling to be able to have provided this and be a part of this for the community and have the community support it for so many years is pretty cool," Heeler explains.
The performance on Saturday will present several different dance styles and dance companies from around the region, from as near as the Dance Arts Center and Ignite Dance Academy in Savannah, to as far as companies such as Kansas City Movement and the Studio School of Dance in Olathe, Kansas.
All proceeds raised during the event on Saturday will benefit Voices of Courage. Birdsell says with the need growing all the time, Chance to Dance and fundraisers like it, allows her and her staff to do their job.
"Which is working with kids rather than going out and trying to create more fundraisers that take time away from what my professionals do for their jobs, and allows us to do that on a daily basis rather than spinning our wheels trying to find funding to do the job," Birdsell says.
Along with the performance, Chance to Dance will also feature a raffle and a bake sale to raise money for Voices of Courage. Tickets can be purchased for $15 in advance or $20 at the door of the Missouri Theatre.
You can find more information on tickets by clicking HERE
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