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The 501(c)(3) non-profit organization launched its pilot awards program at its home studios earlier this month Reyshelle Rodriguez of North Bergen (from Viibe in Ridgefield), Jessica Pagano of Paramus (from Maryann’s School of Dance in Paramus) and Alexandra Williams of Creskill (from Dance Dimensions in New Milford)with grantees .
“The children were selected through a nomination & application process,” Dancer’s Dream Fund President Monica Byrne said. “Their commitment to give back, to work hard in school, and to be kind, caring individuals are all requirements to receive the grant money.”
The Dancer’s Dream Fund was launched in April by four dance moms who wanted to give back to their community. It accepts corporate sponsors.
“Basically we raise money through holding events, various fundraising programs and direct donations,” said Byrne. “We are in the process of creating a few different programs, along with direct scholarship awards”
INFO: www.dancersdreamfund.org
Meet the grantees (courtesy The Dancer’s Dream Fund)
Reyshelle (The ViiBe Dance Center, Ridgefield) was nominted by her teacher and classmates for Student of the Month in May 2014 and received The Citizenship Award in recognition of her exemplary behavior and valuable services rendered to her school. She volunteers for various charitable efforts, including the North Bergen Emergency Relief Program. Reyshelle helps collect food donations for the program, which helps families in need throughout the township.
Alexandra (Dance Dimensions, New Milford), known as Allie, is a straight-A student who’s been awarded “Student of the Week” several times by school administrators and teachers. She assists preschool-2nd graders at her home studio
Jessica (Mariann’s School of Dance, Paramus) does a lot of volunteer work, including being an active Girl Scout for 7 years, working with special needs children and actively participating in her parish. She also works with Camp Snowflake, The Butterfly Ball & Julia’s Butterflies (a local organization that helps families with sick children).
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