Not-for-profit organization saves Jelly Bean Dance

By Miriam Ostermann, Associate Editor

From transformers to ghouls to princesses, several hundred children filled Strathmore’s Civic Centre last week for the popular Jelly Bean Dance, stressing the demand for the event and raising funds for a local non profit – one that ensured the continued existence of the family dance when it nearly faltered.
After a decade of organizing and executing the event, the Children’s Wish Foundation handed the reins over to the Growing Families Society which couldn’t bear to lose the event in the community. With nearly 30 volunteers to guarantee its success, almost 300 children of all ages up to Grade 6 came dressed in their costumes with almost 160 adults in tow.
“It was such a great community event that we didn’t want to see it disappear,” said Margo Sevcik, president of the Growing Families Society for East Rural Counties.
“It was a really fun night. The kids had a blast and I was so impressed with the costumes that were there and the effort that people went to. It was fantastic.”
The Growing Families Society is comprised of three programs: Growing Opportunities, Bridging the Gap and 5 for Life. Over the recent years, a waning economy and the restructuring of the Family and Community Support Services between the Town and Strathmore and Wheatland County meant the organization was cash-strapped and experiencing loss of funding. Although the organization’s main fundraiser, a family dance, will commemorate its third year this spring, the $2,000 collected at the Jelly Bean Dance on Oct. 20 will aid in the operations of their three programs.
“To make money is fantastic, but we really wanted it to be about giving back to the community and supporting families, and giving families an affordable night out that they can do together,” said Sevcik.
“A big part of it, too, is to help people be aware of who the Growing Families Society is and that we’re in the community. We’re supporting people who are at risk, or who just need a little bit of help up, or need some information so that everyone in our community can thrive.”
Sevcik added the organization plans to continue the event in the future. She encourages anyone interested in helping plan the event to contact the Growing Families Society.