Hip hop and country may be on opposite ends of the musical spectrum, but they are putting aside their differences for the Dare to Care Dance Friday, Feb. 24, 2006, in the Wilkinson Student Center.

The dances, sponsored by the Economic Self-Reliance Student Association, culminate Care Week. Proceeds from the dances support Ascend Alliance, a non-profit humanitarian organization in Salt Lake City, which centers on alleviating poverty in Latin America and Africa.

Ascend Alliance president Carolyn Dailey said all students would benefit from attending these dances.

"The idea of assisting our organization is a win-win. It's wonderful for people to get involved," Dailey said.

The foundation focuses on alleviating poverty through loaning money to needy families, who in turn use the money to start and strengthen small, self-owned businesses. After paying back the loan, the families can then apply for another larger loan, and the cycle continues from there. Underlying values of Ascend Alliance include service, stewardship and unity. The organization's Web site reads: "The world becomes better through voluntary service, as we become actively engaged in good causes that alleviate human suffering, elevate and transform society. Meaningful, lasting service is found in assisting those who need it most to become self-sufficient."

ESRSA Co-President Jeff Mower said the dances not only help Ascend, but students as well.

"We're college students and we need to have fun," he said. "A whole lot more people are living in conditions that are extremely impoverished that we realize, and if we can open our eyes to that understanding it will create a greater sense of urgency to help those in those situations."

Dailey said she is excited for the chance to work with BYU students in providing service to people living in poverty-stricken conditions.

"We have a great relationship with students at BYU, and we appreciate our opportunities to spread awareness and work together," Dailey said.

More clubs were involved in this Care Week than previous Care Weeks, Mower said. In addition to ESRSA, 13 other BYU student clubs collaborated on the event, including the Black Student Union, Polynesian Club, Asian American Association, Hong Kong Student Association, Friends of Samoa and the Country Dance Club among others.

The Break Dance Club, Black Student Union's Dancing Queens and Club Style will perform in the Terrace starting at 9 p.m. Admission is $2 at the door before 8:30 p.m. and $3 after 9 p.m. for both dances. Extra donations can be made at the dance entrance. For more information about Ascend Alliance, visit ascendalliance.org.

(For comments, e-mail Lisa Ruefenacht at lisaruefenacht@byu.net)



Copyright Brigham Young University 23 Feb 2006