I am often asked how I got involved with Rising Star Outreach and their work in India--it was actually through my mom. My mom heard Becky Douglas (RSO's founder) speak at Education Week on BYU campus about four years ago. My mom was very touched by Becky's work in India and her whole story of how she started Rising Star. Being the proactive woman she is, my mom decided she wanted to help out Rising Star and put on a benefit dance concert to help raise money for them. She contacted two other local studios (Inspire Dance Company and The Dance Zone) as well as some of the professional dancers she knows and, from there the Dancers Making a Difference benefit concert was born.
This past Monday was the third annual Dancers Making a Difference benefit concert in Las Vegas. The same three studios that started the event all participated, as well as dancers from Viva Elvis! (a Cirque show on the Strip), the chu.this contemporary dance company, and Earl and Aaron Turner. My mom normally hosts the show, but because of recent events and the fact that she was sick she asked me to do it. I am glad to report I did not fall on my face or say anything too stupid. Besides all of the performances the speakers included Becky Douglas and Stacey Tookey (who, since the first DMD concert, has gotten very involved with RSO and even gone to India to work with them). It was a beautiful night and we were able to raise around $12,000 for Rising Star. Here are some pics from the evening:
Myself, my mom, and Stacey Tookey after the event. Gotta love all the Indian garb.
the madre and I after the event
Stacey Tookey, myself, Becky Douglas, and my mom--I am proud to be in a pic with such amazing women. Girl Power!!
Countdown to India: 1 month and 18 days....craziness
Vanakkam!
