Bergen County Non-Profit Awards Grants to Dancers

The Dancer’s Dream Fund Inc, a Paramus based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, kicked off their pilot program, ”Adopt a Dancer,” by awarding three local dance students with $500 grants.

Reyshelle Rodriguez of North Bergen from Viibe in Ridgefield, Jessica Pagano of Paramus from Maryann’s School of Dance in Paramus and Alexandra Williams of Creskill from Dance Dimensions in New Milford received their first installment of the award on Nov. 14 at their home studios.

Paramus resident and president of The Dancer’s Dream Fund, Monica Byrne, said the dancers were selected through a nomination and application process.

“Their commitment to give back, to work hard in school, and to be kind, caring individuals are all requirements to receive the grant money,” Byrne said.

The Dancer’s Dream Fund is working with local studio owners to launch and perfect the program so that it can grow it to where they can help many more local children with the costs of their dance programs.

The Dancer’s Dream Fund was formed by four dance moms that want to give back to their community.

“...we raise money through holding events, various fundraising programs and direct donations,” said Byrne. “We are in the process of creating a few different programs along with direct scholarship awards.”

Officially launched in April of 2014, The Dancer’s Dream Fund will begin accepting corporate sponsors now that they are a qualified tax exempt 501 (c)(3) organization.

To learn more about The Dancer’s Dream Fund log on to their web site at www.dancersdreamfund.org

Photo 1: Alexandra Williams (Dance Dimensions)

Photo 2: Jessica Pagano (Maryann’s School of Dance)

Photo 3: Reyshelle Rodriguez (Viibe)