Dance instructor and long-time friend to help Haiti
David Cowardin
Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: News
Jamie Somrock and Heather Hughley have been best friends since kindergarten. To this day, they refer to each other for support, something they have been able to rely steadily on over the years. After hearing of the devastating Earthquake in Haiti that left thousands dead and a whole country in ruins, Somrock and Hughley decided to give the same support they've provided each other to those less fortunate overseas.
"Everyone needs help sometimes," Somrock said.
Somrock, a junior at UMD, is a dance instructor at Stacey Studios where she instructs eight classes. Her plan is to organize a dance recital where all funds would go toward Haitian relief.
She has already notified two of her classes of the impact their dance could have if her vision becomes reality. Girls in those two classes range from five to seven years of age.
"They were so excited and just begging to help," Somrock said.
Somrock has yet to find a venue to host the recital but is eager to find a place willing to provide the space for free considering the cause.
The Marshal Performing Arts Center (MPAC) said they are booked through spring break but if they had an opening the recital is something they would consider, according to MPAC Facilities Manager John Heil.
In the meantime, Somrock and Hughley continue to brainstorm fundraising ideas ranging from bake sales and block parties. They have gained the support of the Northland chapter of the American Red Cross by entering a third party fundraising agreement-a contract that ensures all fundraising proceeds go to the Red Cross.
"Jamie is great, I think her enthusiasm is infectious," said Judy Hanne Gonzalez, executive director of the Northland American Red Cross.
Gonzalez worked with the Red Cross in Washington D.C. during the Asian tsunami in 2004 and is familiar with the relief situations.
"It's going to be a long, long-term effort," she said.
Already, the Northland American Red Cross has received upwards of $50,000 in donations for Haitian relief, much of which came from a telethon last week sponsored by the Northland News Center and US Bank.
"People here have been incredibly generous," Gonzalez said.
Most of the relief, she said, tends to fall within the three-week period following the disaster. We are currently in week three and Gonzalez is still fielding questions as to how people can help.
For Somrock and Hughley, their contribution has only just begun.
"We're pretty much at ground zero," Somrock said. "We're trying to build it up and make a difference."
If you want to help Somrock and Hughley in their efforts, they are looking for assistance. Somrock can be messaged at somro005@d.umn.edu.
"Everyone needs help sometimes," Somrock said.
Somrock, a junior at UMD, is a dance instructor at Stacey Studios where she instructs eight classes. Her plan is to organize a dance recital where all funds would go toward Haitian relief.
She has already notified two of her classes of the impact their dance could have if her vision becomes reality. Girls in those two classes range from five to seven years of age.
"They were so excited and just begging to help," Somrock said.
Somrock has yet to find a venue to host the recital but is eager to find a place willing to provide the space for free considering the cause.
The Marshal Performing Arts Center (MPAC) said they are booked through spring break but if they had an opening the recital is something they would consider, according to MPAC Facilities Manager John Heil.
In the meantime, Somrock and Hughley continue to brainstorm fundraising ideas ranging from bake sales and block parties. They have gained the support of the Northland chapter of the American Red Cross by entering a third party fundraising agreement-a contract that ensures all fundraising proceeds go to the Red Cross.
"Jamie is great, I think her enthusiasm is infectious," said Judy Hanne Gonzalez, executive director of the Northland American Red Cross.
Gonzalez worked with the Red Cross in Washington D.C. during the Asian tsunami in 2004 and is familiar with the relief situations.
"It's going to be a long, long-term effort," she said.
Already, the Northland American Red Cross has received upwards of $50,000 in donations for Haitian relief, much of which came from a telethon last week sponsored by the Northland News Center and US Bank.
"People here have been incredibly generous," Gonzalez said.
Most of the relief, she said, tends to fall within the three-week period following the disaster. We are currently in week three and Gonzalez is still fielding questions as to how people can help.
For Somrock and Hughley, their contribution has only just begun.
"We're pretty much at ground zero," Somrock said. "We're trying to build it up and make a difference."
If you want to help Somrock and Hughley in their efforts, they are looking for assistance. Somrock can be messaged at somro005@d.umn.edu.
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