Previous Fund Raisers
Help Renovate a Home in New Orleans
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful,
committed citizens can change the world.
Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has."
- Margaret Mead
On April 16th, 2009, sixteen Lindy Hopper's Fund volunteers gathered on the front steps of Gloria Thompson Caldwell's home in New Orleans to try to make a small bit of difference in the life of a woman who has inspired us all. Gloria, the 2008 Lindy Hopper's Fund Recipient, greeted each volunteer with a hug and a smile overflowing with gratitude, as the group set out for a long day of work and repairs.
Gloria Thompson Caldwell is a former Savoy Lindy Hopper, a founding member of the Mama Lou Parks Dancers, a Harvest Moon Ball finalist (2nd place) and probably the most glamorous great-grandmother still dancing the Lindy whenever she gets the opportunity. Performance has taken Gloria all over the world. As a member of the longest running Lindy Hop performance company to date, Gloria looks forward to a lot more dancing and traveling.
Over the past 4 years, Hurricanes Katrina and Gustav caused significant damage and flooding to Gloria's home in New Orleans, leaving it inhabitable and in disrepair. In October 2008, the Lindy Hopper's Fund stepped in to assist Gloria with obtaining FEMA assistance for roof repairs, accessing local resources and provided emergency financial assistance to cover a portion of her relocation expenses. Working in conjunction with local New Orleans dancers and the New Orleans Catholic Charities’ Hurricane Recovery Program, the Lindy Hopper's Fund organized a community workday to begin the process of renovating & rebuilding Gloria's home.
Lindy hoppers from New Orleans, Houston, Minneapolis, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Baton Rouge and Florida, along with Gloria's husband, Joseph, and great-granddaughter, Kaya, picked up tools, gloves and brushes and went to work. Together, we cleaned, scrapped, painted, repaired, landscaped and removed debris from Gloria's home. Everyone contrinbuted in some small way. What resulted was a successful effort by the Lindy Hop community to give back to a very special lady who helped shape the dance we love.
There's still much work to be done and the Lindy Hopper's Fund needs your help! If you would like to help please email: FundInfo@lindyhoppersfund.org
Swinging for the Cause in Denver
This past month, swing dance teachers in Denver Colorado teamed up for Swing for the Cause, a special one day workshop at the Denver 1st Presbyterian Church with all proceeds going to The LindyHopper's Fund.
Participating teachers included Kenny Nelson, Joe DeMers, Nelle Hatley, Heather Ballew, Ford Childs, Delilah Williams, Miranda Longaker, Becky Vigil, Teni Lopez-Cardenas, Andrew Munoz, JJ Weiss, and Davis Thurber.
About 2 months ago, Joe DeMers and Nelle Hatley, the driving force behind this workshop, were talking about how they can contribute to the Fund without having much of their own funding. "So we figured we could donate what we do have: time, energy, knowledge, love of the dance. And we just went from there."