Recap of First HHH Community Dance

HHH Dance Rhyme, by Tommy Yarborough

Twas the eve of the dance and we were all there,
Hanging decorations because we all care.

Before the music started, we learned that for our trouble
a foundation told us what we earned, they would double.

So now we could relax, dance, and have fun
relieved of the stress, for the event was our first one.

The DJ came in and provided the beat -
It seemed everyone was delighted and danced happy feet.

Solomon Williams played piano, eloquently handling the keys
as he charmed with his talents of Prince and Lionel melodies

Our first fundraising dance was a tremendous success.
Thanks to those who attended - Good day and God bless.

Members Pedro and Oleen overseeing our 50/50 raffle.
Realtors Susan Bednar and Sophie Marshall from Keller-Williams came out to support our efforts.
Stapleton-Davidson intern Sarah Coffey cutting the rug with HHH member Wade Morgan

Member Rob Weigle with community supporter Amy Leary
Member Debra Smalls, who both manned the drink table and commanded the floor for Michael Jackson's "Beat It."
The electric slide - a necessity at any dance!
Liz Clasen getting the dancing off to an early start with Joslyn Ogden
DJ Markie D kept the funky tunes pumping all night

As noted in Tommy's rhyme above, the first HHH community dance was a smashing success. With over 80 individuals in attendance, the dance floor remained full all night. As dance participant Barbara Conrad commented, "The event was a great equalizer. There was no 'homeless' or 'housed' on the dance floor." It is true - St. Martin's fellowship hall was likely the most diverse gathering in Charlotte last Saturday night. Black, white, young, old, housed, and homeless alike gathered on the floor together. It was a soul train line unlike any one has seen before!

Only a few hours before the dance began, members received word from the Avenir Foundation that ever dollar raised by the dance would be matched by the foundation up to $1,500. With over $1,000 raised by the dance, the foundation's generous contribution meant the group exceeded their goal. Thanks to the community's support, we will be off to Washington, DC next month to attend the National Alliance to End Homelessness Conference and meet with our Congress people.

Thanks again to our sponsors: Fuel Pizza, Papa Johns, Coca-Cola, Fox & Hound, Matt's Chicago Dogs, Rock Bottom Brewery, Knight's Inn, and Lemon Tree Cosmetics.

We look forward to next year's event.