Has anyone told you how awesome you are today? For real? They should have, but if not, you’re about to get some major props. On top of the fact that you slay in class on a weekly basis, you’re also incredibly generous.
When we threw our annual Jingle Bell Jam in December (with the Ying Yang Twins Christmas album and “Deck Da Club” on the playlist) we asked you to bring gift cards to donate to the staff and teachers at Sedgefield Middle School. Located minutes from Uptown and Southend Charlotte, Sedgefield Middle is a Title One School with more than 90 percent of students on free or reduced lunch. The challenges the staff and teachers face go beyond any job description and without a PTO and other resources, they face those challenges without much needed support.
We wanted to do something to help and your donations at the Jingle Bell Jam surpassed any of our expectations. Gift cards covered an entire table - totalling more than $800! Starbucks, Sephora, Panera...you name it, you gave it.
The next day, THE JAM hosted a catered lunch at Sedgefield. Jam Fam Member and Sedgefield Band Instructor Demeka Kimpson tells us the folks at Sedgefield were blown away. Principal Erik Turner wrote to express his gratitude.
“Your charitable donation of lunch and gift cards that were collected from THE JAM: CLT participants made the holiday season that much more enjoyable for our entire faculty,” Turner said. “In particular, the gift cards will allow us to celebrate and reward exemplary teachers and faculty members throughout the remainder of the school year. We’d like you to know that your thoughtfulness is truly making a difference in the lives of everyone on our campus. Again, thank you for all you do for our teachers and scholars at Sedgefield Middle.”
So thank you, thank you, thank you. In the past year, you’ve given to causes like the Regional Aids Interfaith Network and Playing for Others. You volunteered with THE JAM as proctors during testing at Sedgefield. Part of what you pay for class goes back to the school. THE JAM: CLT is about more than dance fitness. It’s about giving back to and being part of a community. We’re glad you are a part of ours.
