Dance to End Hunger

It's that time of year again. Golden leaves float through cold swirls of breeze, as preparation for winter begins. Families gather together around the table to give thanks for life, love, and abundance. While Thanksgiving is a joyous, warm time in America, it can also be a difficult reminder for many, that they can't afford such decadent feasts depicted on the smiling television commercials or portrait advertisements. This can be a hard time of year for many families across New Mexico and most certainly in Taos area. The recession, high unemployment, underemployment, and low job wages are contributing factors to the growing need for help with food right here in our state. "Many families struggle to pay basic bills, and Holidays are often an extraneous expense." says Christalyn Concha, Director and Co-Founder of the Giving Tree, a local Taos Food Pantry and Clothing Bank that's been serving Taos now for five years this December. "Thanksgiving is our largest give-outs of the year. And we love to purchase as many Turkeys as we can to help out families in need. Surprisingly, Christmas is such a busy time of the year, with so many events happening, that lower numbers of people show up for free food and toys, so we like to make Thanksgiving extra special. " The Giving Tree distributes food monthly to clients, which serves over 1,671 individuals in Taos and surrounding areas. "This year we would like to purchase 150 turkeys for qualifying families. Last year we raised enough funds for 52. Good News Christian Fellowshiptakes up monthly offerings for purchasing food and was a huge support in buying Turkeys last year. We also reached out to the local community via "Dance to End Hunger,"' says Concha. Dance to End Hunger is a series of benefit dance events, held in various locations, created to raise awareness and funds for both local and international non-profit organizations that feed needy people and is set to benefit The Giving Tree's purchase of Thanksgiving turkeys Saturday, November 5th, 6-9p. Local djs Chrystalline, Julia Daye, and special guest Padawan are teaming up for a high-energy evening of Community Dance Elevation. All ages are invited to dance to some deliciously funky, soulful, tribal, gospel, progressive, and minimal house beats, for a great cause! Door proceeds - $10 donation for adults, and $2 for kids 18 and under, will go to buying Turkeys. To sponsor a family's turkey - for every $25 or more donation - guests get entry and a FREE Dance to End Hunger T-Shirt, special thanks to Viva Sports.