A World of Good Theme Inspires
Jacki's Students in Los Altos

Jack's Winter 2004 session was called "A World of Good."  Students in Los Altos, California, took the theme to heart.  Thank you for sending us your inspiring story!  We send our admiration and appreciation for the World of Good you spread.

Dance and StrongStep instructor Nancy Franich of Los Altos, California, had observed that her students did A World of Good in their community, volunteering at schools, churches, and other non-profits. Often projects were discussed after class, and students supported each other's charitable activities.  During Winter session, Nancy's class chose a special project to do together each month that would do A World of Good for their community.

In January, students collected gently used clothing and household goods to donate to the Bargain Box of Palo Alto which supports the Children's Health Council at Stanford. Student Linda Clark delivered numerous carloads of goods to the Bargain Box where she volunteers.

Nancy's Class with Their Donations to the Bargain Box
Standing (L to R):  Sharon Poulsen, Vickie Yamaoka, Ann Nelson, Ruth Yamatoda, Audrey Huchital, Betty Anne Lourdeaux, Renie Scherer, Mary Conner, Linda Clark, Jeanne Strong, Barbara Maciaszek
Kneeling: Nancy Franich (instructor), Ann Throop, Anne Draeger

In February, students brought a variety of breakfast items to fill a breakfast theme basket to be auctioned off at a special event to support the Child  Advocates of Santa Clara County, a group that trains and supervises volunteer advocates who become a role model, mentor, and a caring friend to a foster child who is in need and at risk. Because so many items were donated, three baskets were made for the auction by Vickie Yamaoka, a student in her first session of Jacki's and a Child Advocate.

Nancy's Class with Their Elegant Food Baskets
Standing (L to R):  Vickie Yamaoka (who put together the baskets), Anne Draeger, Nan Timpe, Aurora Abrishami, MaryLinda Cook, Ann Nelson, Linda Dreyer, Renie Scherer, Barbara Maciaszek
Kneeling: Nancy Franich (instructor)

In March, students collected cosmetics and gently used professional clothes to donate to Next Door Solutions to Domestic Violence, a program for battered women in San Jose. Student Cille Emery, also a consultant for Mary Kay, Inc. has provided a video and flyers produced by her company on domestic violence awareness. At the end-of-the-session party, students purchased Mary Kay products for the battered women or for themselves, and a percentage of  sales will be donated to the battered women's nonprofit agency.

Jacki's students do A World of Good on the dance floor and off!