The 42nd annual Teddi Dance for Love kicked off at St. John Fisher University Friday, Feb. 9, 2024. The 24-hour dance marathon raises funds for Camp Good Days and Special Times, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting children with cancer. Teddi's father, Gary, founded Camp Good Days and Special Times the same year his daughter was diagnosed with a brain tumor. The organization allows children with cancer to enjoy being a kid.
Students at St. John Fisher University began the yearly dance in 1982 with only a few dozen participants, but fast forward to today, and the event has exploded in popularity. Nowadays, around 400 dancers and volunteers take part each year, raising tens of thousands of dollars. This year, the goal is to raise $120,000."For most of these students, a lot of them have been affected by cancer in their families," said Grayce Trimboli, vice chair for the 42nd annual Teddi Dance for Love. "That’s another reason why they’re here – the impact that it has on a lot of kids. They just want to be able to help, as well.
"My favorite part is when the campers come. It gives an extra boost of motivation," explained Emily Sullivan, who's serving as chair for this year's dance. "After we have been here for hours and hours, it really just ties it all together.""As the event grows, I'm hoping we get more community outreach so we can spread the message of what the club is really about," Trimboli said.