It was definitely time for me to write my will, although I hope not to use it for a good many years. In thinking about what has been a big part of my life, it seems appropriate to designate CDSS as a major beneficiary of my assets. My first husband introduced me to contra dancing over 40 years ago, and I’ve never looked back. After 15 years of dancing, I realized that someone has to do work to keep the dances going. What a revelation! As a result, I learned and grew in taking leadership roles to sustain and nurture my community (local and beyond). This has led me to so many enriching experiences and helped me be the person I am today.

I took my daughter to her first dance before she could walk, and she grew up going to CDSS Family Camp every summer. I attribute much of her self-assurance and poise to the dance community and her experiences interacting with all ages. She found community at dance camps and continues to create community wherever she goes. In a world where we can lack connection and common purpose, we have both found these in our music, song, and dance lives.

I am honored to help this work continue by providing more resources to CDSS so the organization can be even more effective over time.