Swingmonkey

What started in California as a good idea, spread across the country and eventually as far away as Scotland and Singapore to become an international campaign organized by swing dancers to raise money for Haiti. When Linda Freeman, who runs Got2Lindy Dance Studios in the Hudson Valley with her husband, Chester, found out about the effort, she jumped on board immediately.

"It was a chance to do what we love to do, and enable the community here to give to an important cause," she explained.

And give they did. In fact, the Hop For Haiti Benefit Swing Dance that the Freemans held on February 5 raised more money than most of the other cities so far, including New York and Washington DC.

The generosity of the people in this community was astounding," Freeman said. "They just kept handing me money and saying, 'Thank you so much for doing this.'"

Over 200 people attended, many of whom had never been to a swing dance before in their lives.

"I looked around the beginner lesson and saw about 100 smiling faces I'd never seen before," said Linda. "Everyone looked so happy to have a way to help Haiti and have a good time while doing it. It made the evening magical--that spirit of goodwill that permeated the evening."

Part of the secret of the night's success was that the Freemans clearly stated that all proceeds were going to Haiti through Doctors without Borders, an organization that many donors felt very comfortable with. The other was the generosity of those who helped and attended--and exceptional organizing skills.

"We pulled this entire event together in about two weeks," Linda said. "The moment I committed to it, I just ran with it. Everyone wanted to help, including our students, the band and venue."

The event, was held at Locust Grove, the Samuel Morse Historic Site in Poughkeepsie, NY. The band, the Saints of Swing, donated their time and talent to the cause, as did all of the performers, and of course the Freemans, who not only organized the event, but also taught the beginner lesson at the start of the evening.

"We couldn't have raised so much without the generous support and spirit of Ken Snodgrass of Locust Grove, David Winograd of the Saints of Swing, and all our volunteers and performers. Their generosity enabled us to put the money collected directly into the fund," said Linda.

Performances included a west coast swing performance by Denis and Lee Riley, a lindy hop performance by Chester Freeman and Dorrie Boice--who also teaches for Got2Lindy Dance Studios, and the headlining performance of Dawn Hamption, an 81-year old caberet performer from NYC who got the crowd on their feet and moving their hips in only the way she can.

The $6,020 was raised through the event admission, a silent auction and a $50/50 raffle.

"Area business were very generous in donating gift certificates and items. We had everything from a home cooked Paella dinner for 10 people with Spanish wines and a Salsa lesson to a dozen free-range exotic eggs! We raised $2750 from the silent auction and bake sale alone," said Linda. " Even the woman who won the 50/50 raffle gave back part of what she won as a donation to Haiti.

"We are very proud of the way the Hudson Valley community responded to this effort," said Linda. "All night all I saw were smiling faces, all happy to be dancing and to be part of a larger effort for Haiti."

With the Hudson Valley's contribution, the Hop for Haiti International Campaign has raised $21,656.10 so far from eight cities. Six cities have yet to hold their event or report their earnings. The full amount collected went to Doctors without Borders for their work in Haiti.

Got2Lindy Dance Studios runs dance classes and dances throughout the Hudson Valley. For information on their classes contact Linda at 845-236-3939 or visit www.got2lindy.com