HPU Dance Company Raises Funds in Honor of Program Director
High Point University’s Dance Company presented $2,000 to Cancer Services, Inc. thanks to their annual Fall Dance Concert fundraiser. Pictured from left to right are Christine Stevens, adjunct instructor of dance; Wesley Wilson, a junior from Virginia Beach, Virginia; Connie Quagliata, a junior from Litiz, Pennsylvania; Lindsey Howie, assistant professor of dance; Willonda Thomas, marketing director for Cancer Services, Inc.; and Nicole Amorocho, a freshman from Charlotte, North Carolina.
HIGH POINT, N.C., Oct. 26, 2021 – High Point University’s Dance Company raised funds during their annual Fall Dance Concert in honor of Lindsey Howie, assistant professor of dance and the director of the dance program.
Howie was diagnosed recently with breast cancer. She has worked at HPU since 2014 when she joined the department as an instructor of dance.
Every semester, the dance concerts are held as fundraisers for local charities and organizations, collecting canned food and school supplies for the community. This year, HPU students raised money for Cancer Services, Inc., the nonprofit that helped Howie through her cancer journey.
HPU students started fundraising efforts in August by selling pink bracelets. During the opening night of the concert on Sept. 30, HPU’s Dance Company, along with faculty in the Department of Theater and Dance, honored Howie by wearing pink and encouraged the audience to wear pink, too.
“I had no idea that they were planning this, so when I walked in I was extremely overcome by my emotions,” said Howie. “The students dedicated their performance, wore pink, highlighted breast cancer awareness and raised money for Cancer Services. They also took time to prepare meals and gift baskets for my family after my surgery. This group of students are incredible human beings with large hearts.”
For members of HPU’s Dance Company, a student-run group, each concert has special meaning because of its charitable endeavors. This year’s concert, however, provided the chance to support a mentor who has also supported them.
“Being able to have the opportunity to give back to Lindsey Howie and other families through their treatment makes dancing and fundraising for Cancer Services, Inc. even more special,” said Olivia Keider, a junior from Lewisville, North Carolina. “We admire all the time and effort Lindsey has donated to loving and empowering everyone in the dance program and company at HPU.”
Christine Stevens, Connie Quagliata and a few of the dancers presented the check of $2,000 to Willonda Thomas of Cancer Services, Inc. on Oct. 22.
“The students became incredibly involved and invested in this fundraiser since it affected someone they knew personally,” said Stevens, an adjunct instructor of dance. “As artists, we get to explore and express our humanity, perspective and empathy through our work. Art can be a valuable vehicle for community awareness and drawing attention to those around us.”