Get The Albany Gems to State
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The Albany Gems is Albany's competitive youth dance team. We have nearly 40 girls ranging in age from 8-14 years old. Our program teaches younger dancers health, fitness, responsibility, community involvement and overall life lessons through the art of dance.
The Gems have had the opportunity to compete in the Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships (OJDTC) the last two years, they placed 3rd in 2016.
In previous years the OJDTC has been held in the Portland Metro area, we were able to car pool and make a long day trip out of the event.
Due to facility changes, the OJDTC competition has been moved to Hermiston, Oregon this year. Hermiston is a 4.5 hour drive from Albany. This obviously creates a bit of a dilemma for us. The drive to and from Hermiston is a 9 hour trip, we don't feel this is safe for our 40 young dancers, coaching staff, and chaperones.
Our girls have worked REALLY hard this year, we want to give them the experience of competing in their championships. In order to make this possible, we have decided the only feasible solution is to charter a bus to Hermiston and stay overnight locally.
As you can imagine, this trip is going to increase our budget for the year exponentially. Travel and lodging for approximately 55+ people we expect to incur approximately $4000 in expenses.
You may wonder why we would decide to take a trip for one competition that will cost us that type of expense. For our team, it's not about the competition, it's a way to teach our girls that rewards come when we earn them, also that we don't give up on our dreams when obstacles get in the way.
If you have worked with or met these girls you would know that they more than "earn" this experience. Not only do they work hard in the gym, but they strive to be the best in their classrooms as well.
When they aren't dancing or doing homework they are volunteering their time and energy to their community. The Gems volunteer at many community events such as, River Rhythms, NW Art and Air Festival, Festival Latino and Relay For Life. Last year they collected nearly 5,000 items at Christmas for the homeless, they will start their Winter Community Service project soon.
Our girls are well deserving of the opportunity to finish their season with a trip to the OJDTC, we hope our community can help us out.
In addition to taking personal donations, the Gems will be approaching potential businesses for sponsorship. If you are interested in becoming a Gems sponsor please let us know so we can come visit with you!
Thank you to everyone that supports our team and has helped us get this far!
The Gems have had the opportunity to compete in the Oregon Junior Dance Team Championships (OJDTC) the last two years, they placed 3rd in 2016.
In previous years the OJDTC has been held in the Portland Metro area, we were able to car pool and make a long day trip out of the event.
Due to facility changes, the OJDTC competition has been moved to Hermiston, Oregon this year. Hermiston is a 4.5 hour drive from Albany. This obviously creates a bit of a dilemma for us. The drive to and from Hermiston is a 9 hour trip, we don't feel this is safe for our 40 young dancers, coaching staff, and chaperones.
Our girls have worked REALLY hard this year, we want to give them the experience of competing in their championships. In order to make this possible, we have decided the only feasible solution is to charter a bus to Hermiston and stay overnight locally.
As you can imagine, this trip is going to increase our budget for the year exponentially. Travel and lodging for approximately 55+ people we expect to incur approximately $4000 in expenses.
You may wonder why we would decide to take a trip for one competition that will cost us that type of expense. For our team, it's not about the competition, it's a way to teach our girls that rewards come when we earn them, also that we don't give up on our dreams when obstacles get in the way.
If you have worked with or met these girls you would know that they more than "earn" this experience. Not only do they work hard in the gym, but they strive to be the best in their classrooms as well.
When they aren't dancing or doing homework they are volunteering their time and energy to their community. The Gems volunteer at many community events such as, River Rhythms, NW Art and Air Festival, Festival Latino and Relay For Life. Last year they collected nearly 5,000 items at Christmas for the homeless, they will start their Winter Community Service project soon.
Our girls are well deserving of the opportunity to finish their season with a trip to the OJDTC, we hope our community can help us out.
In addition to taking personal donations, the Gems will be approaching potential businesses for sponsorship. If you are interested in becoming a Gems sponsor please let us know so we can come visit with you!
Thank you to everyone that supports our team and has helped us get this far!
Organizer
Albany Gems Dance Team
Organizer
Albany, OR
