3 minute read
Making a Difference for Youth, Families, and Our Communities
February 2024
By Judy Coco
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1)
In today’s unsettling times, the unity of people from diverse backgrounds, faiths, and beliefs for a common good can be a powerful force. “Dancing for Future Stars,” the largest annual fundraiser for the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, exemplifies this unity by bringing together Gaston County community leaders to make a difference. Among these leaders is Rose Planer, a member of Temple Beth El, who is actively building bridges in a community with a small Jewish population. Rose is participating as one of the celebrity dancers in the upcoming event. The event pairs eight local “celebrities” with professional dancers to perform ballroom and freestyle routines. These celebrities raise funds through sponsorships, ticket sales, and donations.
Anna Furr, executive vice president and CFO of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Gaston, commends the courage of the celebrity dancers. “We appreciate their bravery to put themselves out there, in front of their community. They’ve committed time and an evening to do something that will have a life-long impact for so many,” she shared.
The Boys & Girls Club provides a safe, affordable place for young people during non-school hours and summer. Its mission is to inspire and enable young people, especially those at risk, to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens. Through enrichment programs, the Club fosters good character, academic success, and healthy lifestyles, nurturing “future stars.” With trained professionals and volunteers, the Club offers homework help, mentoring, emotional support, and social interactions. Notably, 69% of the kids come from single-parent households, and 99% receive free or reduced lunch. The impact is significant, with 92% of Club members advancing to the next grade level.
Now in its 14th year, each iteration of the event has increasingly impacted the work done with Gaston County’s kids. From raising $50,000 in its first year, the event now garners over $500,000, enabling the Boys & Girls Club to serve more kids, offer higher quality programming, provide transportation to more schools, and continually grow in all areas of its mission.
Rose Planer, a licensed mental health practitioner, is no stranger to making a difference. She has dedicated herself to tikkun olam (repairing and improving the world). Rose has worked with many at-risk youth who rely on organizations like the Boys & Girls Club. For the past seven years, she served on the board of the Jamie Kimble Foundation for Courage, collaborating with teens across Mecklenburg County to create an annual healthy dating relationships campaign with Carowinds. Currently, as a consultant for Hope United Survivor Network, she is developing a youth healthy relationships project in Gaston County.
As a celebrity dancer, Rose is not just performing; she’s building bridges with others who share a commitment to making a difference for youth, families, and the community. You can join others in supporting Rose at the “Dancing for Future Stars” event on March 23, 2024. For support options, including tickets or sponsorship opportunities, visit https://bit.ly/GCDFFS.
