DANCE FOR LIFE 2020: UNITED AS ONE raised more than $170,000.
Chicago Dancers United has announced that Dance for Life 2020: United as One, which took place August 10-15, exceeded its financial goal, raising more than $170,000 in contributions from nearly 700 donors. The virtual event was sponsored by Optum.
The culminating virtual event on Saturday, August 15-the original date for the 29th anniversary of Dance for Life scheduled at the Auditorium Theatre-featured the World Premiere of Get It Together choreographed by Hanna Brictson in response to COVID-19, performed by 23 dancers from throughout the Chicago area. Serving as hosts for the evening were Cortney Hall and Matthew Rodrigues, co-hosts of NBC Chicago's program Chicago Today. The final event also featured a Dance for Life highlights reel, remarks from board members and sponsors, details about resources available from The Dancers' Fund, information about the 30th anniversary of Dance for Life in 2021, and more.
Dance for Life brings Chicago's dance community together thanks to dancers who generously donate their time, energy, and artistry to support The Dancers' Fund, which provides financial assistance to dance professionals diagnosed with a critical health need. The Fund has been expanded to help support dance community members who need financial assistance with routine medical expenses. Dance for Life also supports two partner agencies: AIDS Foundation Chicago, which mobilizes diverse communities across Illinois living with HIV, and the American Cancer Society, which is leading the fight for a world without cancer.
"For 29 years, AFC has been a beneficiary of Dance for Life, and we are so proud to continue that long history now alongside the American Cancer Society," said AFC President and CEO John Peller. "Together, our three organizations are responding to the COVID emergency by supporting people with critical health needs, including HIV and cancer." Dance for Life continues to be CDU's largest fundraising effort. Since 2015, CDU has made nearly 200 grant disbursements to assist dance professionals with medical and wellness costs and distributed nearly $400,000 to individuals from the dance community and AFC. Expanded support in response to COVID-19 has included more than $23,000 to cover routine medical expenses for members of the professional dance community.Videos