We are grateful to have received a major legacy gift from the James Edward Hudock Trust.

James Edward Hudock, known to his friends as “Sunshine Jim,” was a beloved member of the Melbourne (FL) English Country Dance and the Cocoa Beach Contra Dance communities, enjoying the friendships that developed there and becoming an informal board member. From time to time, he was suspected of being the “Dance Angel” who would make quiet cash donations to keep the slow times solvent. Even when health challenges began to make dancing difficult for him, his presence at dances lifted spirits.

This strong connection to the dance community inspired him to provide legacy donations after his passing in appreciation of the joy he experienced. Jim understood that supporting CDSS, the parent organization, ensured that the local dances got the support they needed, through small group mentoring, regional publicity, shared history, and generally keeping time-honored joyful customs alive.

His playful spirit lives on!