Chester County

     COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

We strive to make Chester County
a better place to live, work, & play.
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The Fund...
     The Samantha Lee Zajac Memorial Fund provides for Adapted Dance programs designed to provide a fun and unique dance experience for girls and boys with physical disabilities. Dancers will enjoy the benefits of movement and creative exercises in a positive and supportive environment.

     The Fund is administered by the Chester County Community Foundation (a 501(c)3 charitable organization). Please consider making a donation.

Sammy and Adapted Dance...
     Samantha, known to her friends and family as Sammy, was "bright, cheery, and large like the sun." Those are the words of her sister, Lindsay. Her family remembers Sammy’s love of dance -  a love both her sisters, Lindsay and Rachel, share.  Sammy, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a baby, found that dance not only gave her much joy and satisfaction, but also helped tremendously with her coordination and confidence.   Time and again, the Zajac family has witnessed the magic of dance.  They believe it is a magic that every child should have the opportunity to experience.   

     In 2001, Sammy died suddenly at the age of 8 due to a severe blood infection.  To honor Sammy’s life and spirit, her family established a legacy fund in her name.  The mission of Sammy’s Fund is to leave a lasting tribute to Sammy by making a significant contribution to children with disabilities.  This mission is what inspired the Zajac family to create a unique dance program for children with special needs, so that all children can be touched by the magic of dance.  Today, Sammy’s Fund supports the development of an adapted dance program for children with physical challenges who have the desire to experience the magic of dance.

     Sammy’s mother, Carla Zajac, explains: “Sammy’s passion for dance motivates and inspires us to give children a chance to participate in dance class, children who might not otherwise be able to so because of their physical limitations.  Sammy relished the feeling of being a dancer -- dressing up in her costumes,  moving in her own special way to music, and joining her friends in class each week. Our vision is to create a new dance program in our community where these children can fulfill their desires to be shining stars, too.”

The 2008 Adapted Dance Camp...
     The Samantha Zajac Memorial Fund, West Chester University, and Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts proudly announce:

SHINING STARS
ADAPTED DANCE CAMP

Dates: Monday, August 4 through Thursday, August 7, 2008
Time: 4:00 – 5:30 pm
Location: Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts (315 Westtown Road, Suite 9 West Chester, PA 19382)
Registration: Please complete the camp's registration packet
Registration Deadline: May 15th

     Shining Stars Adapted Dance Camp is designed to provide a fun and unique dance experience for girls and boys with physical disabilities.  Dancers will enjoy the benefits of movement and creative exercises in a positive and supportive environment.  Dancers will also have an opportunity to share what they’ve learned for their families on the last day of camp during a special performance.

     The camp will be led by a collaborative, experienced team of professionals including dance instructors and adapted physical educators.  Each dancer will be paired with a “personal coach” to provide assistance with movement and following directions.  Our coach volunteers include West Chester University adapted physical education or dance students and experienced high school dance students.

     Shining Stars Adapted Dance Camp is offered free of charge.  The costs for the camp are funded by the Samantha Zajac Memorial Fund of the Chester County Community Foundation in cooperation with the West Chester University Department of Kinesiology and Department of Theater and Dance and the Diane Matthews School of Dance Arts.

This special camp is geared to girls and boys:

ž           between the ages of 5 and 12 years old who have mobility limitations yet have the ability to initiate movement

ž           who may use orthopedic appliances, such as wheelchairs, crutches, walkers, or braces

ž           whose social and emotional skills are within one year of their chronological age

ž           who are able to follow directions with minimal assistance

               Interested? Simply complete and submit this year's registration packet.

Enrollment is limited.  Registrations will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

A $50 refundable registration deposit will be returned to all participants on the last day of camp.

Registration Deadline: Until camp is filled or by May 15, 2008

Questions? E-mail ShiningStarsADC@aol.com or call 610-399-3066

The Samantha Lee Zajac Memorial Fund is a Fund of the Chester County Community Foundation. A copy of the official registration and financial information of the Chester County Community Foundation may be obtained by calling the PA Department of State at 1.800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.