“What the world needs now…” the familiar tune bounces around my head as I hum the words. “But it isn’t necessarily love that comes to mind but dance.”
Who doesn’t know what it’s like to lose yourself in a song – to tap your toes to the rhythm of the music – to feel unstoppable from the lyrics of a favorite tune? But there are those who no longer dance – the joy which lightens our step and causes us to gravitate to music and dancing has been taken away unfairly through domestic violence.
Raising money and hope
Over the past five years, The Circle of Hope’s Dancing with the Stars has raised over $500,000 to benefit victims of domestic violence. As a shelter for those who seek freedom from perpetrators, Circle of Hope is an advocate in so many ways: legally, residentially, emotionally, and mentally.
Circle of Hope Executive Director Suzanne Dow has been working with victims for 23 years and while the work doesn’t get any easier, the rewards for her are unmeasurable. “To see women move forward in life with opportunities minus oppression and to have healthy relationships refuels and reenergizes us to continue the fight,” says Dow.
Currently, Circle of Hope offers many services to victims of domestic violence. There are four different housing programs, support groups, outreach programs, and legal help. “We cannot do all that we do without the generous support of our community,” Dow says. “The event has become something many people look forward to attending.”
Finding contestants is not as easy as it may appear. “We have a committee comprised of staff and Board Members who take months to secure participants,” Dow adds. “We have been so fortunate. Every year we seem to find the right blend of people to make the event wonderful.”
And this year is no exception. “The driving force behind this event is the participants. They raise the money, dedicate the time, and put themselves out there to make the show the success it is.”
The event will be held at the Habersham Central High School Auditorium, 2059 Old Hwy 197 S., Mt. Airy, GA 30563, at 6:00 PM. If you are interested in attending the event or supporting one of the teams, you can visit the website dancingwiththestarsforhope.com or call Suzanne Dow at 706-776-3406 ext. 1801.
Together we can put the dance back into their step.
