The First Annual Steve Glidden Foundation Community Dance was held on Saturday, December 1, 2001 at the Windsor Club in Newton. There were three goals for this event:

1. To help Steve's memory become a living legacy and an enduring blessing;
2. To bring an already strong community even closer together; and
3. To raise money for the Steve Glidden Foundation

By all accounts, the dance met or exceed all three goals. First, nearly 40 musicians, 60 Kid Corps members and more than 300 dancers (many of whom had never ever tried contra or folk dancing before) had a wonderful time, remembered Steve with fondness and smiles, and reflected on how his short life has touched so many. Second, people danced, and danced, and danced! Four generations enjoyed the evening as one community - the youngest "dancer" was 3 months old, and the oldest was a mere 87 years young! Even Mayor Cohen came and danced (and he was pretty good, according to the pro's)!!

The first two hours were devoted to Contra Dancing with callers Tony Saletan and Marcie Van Cleave and music by Vince O’Donnell, Susan Janssen, David Titus and Robin Kynoch. International Folk Dancing was the order of fun for the last two hours, with with expert teaching by Marcie Van Cleave and music (including beautiful singing) by the International Music Club. All dances were taught, so a good time was had by all.

The third goal was met nicely. As the dance was being planned, we figured that if we raised $4,000 and met the first two goals, the evening would be considered a resounding success. In fact, we raised well over $7,000, which put the Foundation's bank balance over the $50,000 mark!

In addition to dancing, the "Crafts for a Cause" artisans’ showcase displayed and sold beautiful hand-loomed chenille scarves by Hetty Friedman, hand-made invitations and gift cards by Sara Coen, and photographs by both Sarah Glidden and Linda Grosser. Well over $300 was donated to the Steve Glidden Foundation from the Crafts for a Cause art sale that took place during the dance. Thank you, Hetty, Sara, Linda and Sarah!

The Kid Corps came out in force both before and during the dance. They fanned out all over Newton like a smiling and dedicated army, virtually plastering the city with flyers about the dance, and soliciting ads from business owners and interested individuals and families. The night of the dance, they came early and stayed late, setting up, collecting admission, running the Winona Logo Stuff table, keeping the snacks fresh and supplied, and dancing and enjoying themselves. When the dance was over, they banded together and cleaned up! Thanks, Kid Corps - you are awesome!!!!

Thanks to everyone (especially the first-time dancers) for making this evening such a terrific success! There are many people who contributed hours and hours of their time and talent to the dance, and they are mentioned in the Program Book. Please contact us if you would like to receive a copy.

For a PDF file of the dance flyer click here