Dear Editor,

On behalf of the Danville Schools Education Foundation, I would like to express our appreciation for the support given to our recent sixth annual “Dancing with the Danville Stars.” This event raised over $23,000 — $13,000 of which is returned directly to the five Danville schools for selected projects. The remaining funds raised will be used by the foundation board to support teacher mini-grants and other projects that enhance the foundation’s goals of supporting enrichment activities, providing support for arts and humanities experiences, providing opportunities through enhanced technology and encouraging lifelong learning through scholarships.  

We gratefully thank and recognize tour sponsors for their support with this event.  We also thank the many individuals who donated directly to the seven teams performing that evening. The principals of all five schools encouraged student and staff participation in the event, planned and held events in their school to raise funds and supported their teams throughout the process. Our two community dance teams also raised funds through their participation.  

An event like this requires the support of many individuals, both inside the Danville Schools family and in our greater community. We extend our sincere appreciation to the Danville Schools staff, to include the Gravely Hall Performing Arts Center staff, the technology staff who assisted with the theater and video presentations, the custodial staff who assisted throughout the event, the food service staff who provided refreshments during the event, Beth Marlowe and Brent Beauman who served as our emcees and our judges who helped encourage the dancers throughout their performances.   

Finally, we thank those in our audience who came to support this event and help the Foundation work to support the education of all students in the Danville Schools. We look forward to our next event!

Gail Wright

on behalf of the Danville Schools Education Foundation