Dancing with the Johnson County Stars

Gateway Services / Access Johnson County Public Transit participated in Dancing with the Johnson County Starts in 2023 (our 2nd year).  We raised $59,797 for local match for grant awarded vehicles (4).  Long story short we weren't supposed to have paid local match they were to be 100% Federally funded.  But then the supply chain shortage occurred which doubled the cost of the vehicles.  So we ended up paying 20% of that amount.  We paid for the local match for all 4 and we were only short $5,500.  Which is a huge blessing.  I love Johnson County!!!  No I did not grow up here but I've been in the county for 40 years and it feels like my hometown.  

Our Dancer (see picture above) was Doug Gray he is a nationally recognized bird watcher.  He gave bird watching tours from July 29 - Sept 3.  I went on 3 (yes they were that good).  I think I have found my stress relief activity and I can't wait until spring to do more.  If you ever hear of him doing a tour I recommend you go.  I met Doug and his beautiful wife LeShon at church and his name popped into my heard one night as I was trying to figure out who to call to dance.  I emailed  him and without hesitation he said yes.  He was awesome!!!  

I just want to thank everyone that gave money, time, and or bought a ticket to the event.  It was fun and we raised dollars for a very good cause.  Just to be clear Dancing with the Johnson County stars helps 8 organizations to learn the skills and technique to ask for donations.  This is our opportunity to try different things and also take notes from the other organizations on what works and what doesn't.  All the money we raised we kept.  Barb M (founder and organizer of chaos) raises money to pay for the event like the venue, posters, program, and dance lessons.  If there is any money left from her efforts she then splits it out to each organization.  

We found this to be fun rewarding and exhausting but we are going to do it again next year.  So watch for our next fundraiser .....