INNISFAIL – Last summer’s Feast On Main helped raise funds for Innisfail’s arts community.
Innisfail's Joy’s School of Dance is one of the local groups benefiting from the fundraiser thanks to a recent $2,500 donation from Innisfail Town Theatre (ITT).
“We helped out at the long table Feast On Main. We had a bunch of girls come to help serve and do a little bit of work and they entertained too,” said Joy McIlwain, owner of Joy’s School of Dance.
A portion of the money donated will go toward the school’s trip to Disney World next season, among other things, she noted.
“Each of the girls who helped out, they’ll also get a little bit towards their festivals this year,” said McIlwain.
One of those dancers was 14-year-old Kylie Powers.
“(It will go to) all the dance festivals we do, like ballet, jazz and hip hop,” said Powers, adding she enjoyed participating in the event last summer. “I liked dancing in front of everybody, meeting new people and helping out for the community.”
A total of about 25 dancers and parents volunteered for the event, noted McIlwain.
Glen Carritt and Janis Bell, two Feast On Main committee members from Innisfail Town Theatre, presented the donation to Joy’s School of Dance last week.
“They came out and helped with Feast On Main, the long table event they’ve done for a couple of years,” said Carritt. “We gave them $2,500 because it’s a donation for the arts. ITT is all about supporting the arts and that’s what the long table event is about.”
He noted the sold-out fundraiser was a success thanks in part to local groups like Joy’s School of Dance.
“We couldn’t have pulled this event off without their help and it’s very much appreciated,” Carritt concluded.
