Dancing Raises $90K for Youth

Youth Emergency Services’ (YES; www.yesomaha.org) annual Dance for a Chance fundraiser presented by C&A Industries took place on August 4th at the Omaha Design Center and raised more than $90,000 for homeless youth.

The evening opened with a performance that included volunteers and staff who symbolically passed a candle to the youth currently in YES’ programs while local musician, Jocelyn, performed her original song “Echo.”

During the event, nine local community leaders and their professional instructors performed for a crowd of YES supporters for their chance at the mirror ball trophy! Each dancer raised money by having their friends, families, and supporters purchase $5 votes. The 2017 Dance for a Chance champion Mike Maxey, C&A Industries, raised more than $14,000 in support of YES’ mission. The judges’ choice performance was awarded to Shelley Callahan, Most Authentic Self.

2017 Dancers: Shelley Callahan, Most Authentic Self; John W Ewing Jr., Douglas County Treasurer; Mike Maxey, C&A Industries; Heath Mello, Holland Children’s Institute & Movement; Mike Molacek, Guinns Irish Green Lawn and Landscape; Michelle Schrage, Business4Business; Rachel Tiller, Keller Williams Realty; Susan Thomas, Omaha Creative Institute – Founder; Clyde Wilberger, The Harry A. Koch Co.

Generous sponsors helped make this annual event possible. If you know of a business interested in being a part of next year’s Dance for a Chance please contact Mary Talen, mtalen@yesomaha.org, (402) 345-5187.

Additionally, YES is currently taking nominations for next year’s dancers. If you would like to nominate a local community leader who is willing to raise awareness and funds for homeless youth, please contact Ashley Flater at (402) 345-5187 / aflater@yesomaha.org.