The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey Youth Council’s second annual Dance-A-Thon, which took place March 31 at Crossroads North School in South Brunswick, raised $17,000 to benefit the Red Cross chapter’s programs and services, including assistance to local disaster victims, delivery of meals to the homebound elderly, the provision of a safe and steady blood supply to area hospitals, and CPR and First Aid training. Fifteen percent of the proceeds will benefit the Measles Initiative, an international partnership created to reduce measles deaths.
More than 200 high school students from throughout Central New Jersey danced from 3 to 10 p.m. to help raise funds.
"Because these high school students worked hard, measles-related deaths are being prevented and the Red Cross is better able to serve our community," said Aubrey Galvin, Youth and Volunteer Services administrator. "I’m proud to work beside these young humanitarians."
Adding to the excitement on the dance floor were games and prizes provided by 94.5PST’s "Totally Interactive Night Show" host Tom Shinn. Radio station 94.5PST helped to sponsor the event. The dancers were treated to free food catered by Americana Diner and prizes donated by Pica Pica.
Other sponsors included TREC Global, OHM International Inc., the Board of Directors of the American Red Cross of Central New Jersey, and Crossroads North Middle School.
Two DJs donated their professional services with South Brunswick’s DJ Manu spinning the first half of Dance-A-Thon and Dan DeFranco of Round The Clock Entertainment finishing out the event.
The American Red Cross of Central New Jersey’s Youth Services integrates young people into the delivery of Red Cross services. Through involvement with area Red Cross Clubs, students develop leadership skills and an appreciation for "giving back" to their communities. The chapter has 1,237 Red Cross Club members in high schools throughout Mercer, Middlesex, Hunterdon and Somerset counties.
American Red Cross of Central New Jersey: (609) 951-8550. On the Web: www.njredcross.org.

