By Kristina Powers Aubry
Remember Friday nights in high school when, after dinner, friends would come by and everyone took off for the gym to hear the latest local band and dance the night away? Or after school, running to your room to play the latest “45” picked up at the record shop, after searching through the bins of vinyl titles?
Whether the tunes come from a record player, a radio or a mini-iPod, music is a great part of everyone’s life. It fills in the background voids in the grocery store, mall, car, office, travel, and telephone waiting lines. Listening can be active or passive. One can choose the tune or be taken along with the Muzak playlist.
Memories are tied to music. The tunes the family sang in the car or played at Aunt Sophie’s wedding. The fight song or alma mater from school, bring memories of friends and seasons of wins or losses.
Those memories can be relived on April 26, at the South County Community Services Annual Fundraiser, DANCE ACROSS THE DECADES, 7:00 – 11:00 p.m. at the Local 357 Plumbers and Pipefitters Hall, 11847 Shaver Road (off US-131) Schoolcraft.
Music from the 40s through the present will ring through the hall giving everyone the chance to conger up long forgotten good times with friends and family. This even has been designed for individuals, couples and groups to get together to listen, dance and have a good old rollicking time.
DJ, Dan Can will be providing tunes from all decades. For those who think they have the moves, a dance contest will afford the opportunity to be awarded the first annual “Mover and Shaker Trophy.”
Although costumes may not be elemental to making the music come alive, dressing the part might help to bring those good time memories right up front. Before the evening is out, the “Rocking the Rags” trophy will be awarded to the best dressed dancers.
Every dancer knows stepping out makes for an appetite and thirst. Elegant and delicious finger foods and dessert will be plentiful. Treats from across the decades will keep dancers and toe-tappers full of energy and wonderment at the variety and creativity of the “spread.” A cash bar will be ready to quench any thirst with beer, wine and soft drinks.
Of course all this fun comes with a serious reason. South County Community Services (SCCS) provides programs and help to over 25,000 South County residents. This area’s United Way agency is there to provide services to residents at times when a helping hand and direction goes a long way. They are the hub for services that provide help and support when it’s needed most. This all costs more money than the SCCS share of United Way funds provides. This fundraiser will raise additional money to keep that local help available to residents.
Tickets are $75 per couple, $40 per individual, and include dancing, music, food and prizes. Because SCCS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit agency, $50 of the couple ticket and $30 of the individual ticket are tax deductible contributions. This portion of your ticket fee goes directly to provide client services.
Groups can sit together with reserved tables available for $450, including 8 tickets, centerpiece, and a bottle of wine. Tickets are available now and can be purchased by calling SCCS at 649-2901.