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N'ap Danse Ansanm
THIS YEAR'S N'ap Danse Ansanm WILL BE DECEMBER 12th -13th 2008! For the past seven years, local students have organized the “N’ap Danse Ansanm” or, in Creole, the language of Haiti, “We All Dance Together” in an effort to raise money for the Hands Together organization. To date they have raise over $41,000.
Steve Wallo, Youth and Young Adult Ministries for Our Lady of the Snows, explained “Originally the idea had been started by Brian Williams, (former director of the youth ministries) who had taken several trips to Haiti to do missionary work, and then came back with the idea to get the students together and help to raise money.” According to www.handstogether.org is, “Hands Together is a nonprofit organization devoted to educating, inspiring and encouraging people to understand and respond to the needs of people, especially the poor and disadvantaged….Hands Together carries out its mission through projects and programs aimed at improving the quality of life for the very poor - primarily in Haiti.”
Corrine Wolff, a sophomore at Abington Heights High School, said that she first heard about the “N’ap Danse Ansanm” from her brother when he attended it. Wolff, of Clarks Summit, said, “By the end of the night, you know everyone there, and you become good friends.” She added that this is her second year participating and that she has been a member of the youth group since last year, when she participated in the “N’ap Danse Ansanm.”
Students are asked to participate on a team with 7 to 9 others. Each person donates at least $75 to participate, but can raise more up to the evening of the dance. AJ Fischbach, a senior at Abington Heights High School, said that he has been a member of the youth group since he was in eighth grade. Fischbach, of Clarks Summit, said of the youth group, “There are great kids at the meetings and we always find something to do that helps out a worthwhile cause.” After participating in this event for several years and others that the youth group does, he added “It is so cool to see young teens willing to raise money for a good cause. The night is a blast, and it is for a really worthy cause. ”
In addition to raising money for the event, Wallo said it is important to the group to raise awareness of Haiti. “The second idea is to raise awareness for the cause, and at the same time of the youth group.”
At the “N’ap Danse Ansanm,” a list of events are planned throughout the night, and something happens every hour, on the hour. There will be live music during the night by Woodcrest and Evernight. In addition, a scavenger hunt, a battle of the sexes game, jeopardy and a version of “Who’s Line Is It Anyway?” will be held.
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