Spotlight Dance Team Brings Joy and Hope Through Be the Change

At Children’s Assistive Technology Service (C.A.T.S.), we are constantly inspired by the ways people in our community come together to support children with disabilities. One shining example is the incredible Spotlight Dance Team from Maureen’s School of Dance. Through their Be the Change (BTC) program, these talented young dancers are making a profound impact—not just through their art, but through their compassion and commitment to giving back.

A Mission Rooted in Service
In 2022, Maureen’s School of Dance instructor Jacki Thounhurst and studio owner Michelle Council launched the BTC program to enrich their competitive dance program while fostering leadership, teamwork, and community engagement. The mission of BTC is simple yet powerful: to use dance as a way to better the lives of others.

Through events like the annual BTC Benefit Show, the Spotlight Dance Team raises funds for meaningful causes while creating opportunities for dancers to explore new roles, collaborate with alumni, and experience the joy of performing outside the competitive circuit.

“We want our dancers to understand that dance can be about more than competitions. It’s about using their talent and teamwork to Be the Change in their community,” explains Jacki.

Raising Funds for C.A.T.S.
At their August 2024 BTC Benefit Show, the Spotlight Dance Team raised an astonishing $12,795.62 to support our work at C.A.T.S.! This generosity is helping us continue our mission of providing assistive technology to children with disabilities at no cost to their families.

But their commitment doesn’t stop there. The Spotlight Dance Team has once again chosen C.A.T.S. as the beneficiary for their 2025 BTC Benefit Show, with plans to deepen their involvement by volunteering alongside their fundraising efforts.

A Personal Connection
For Jacki and her family, the mission of C.A.T.S. is deeply personal. Jacki’s daughter, Abigail, was born prematurely and diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy, which primarily affects her mobility. Through her journey, Jacki witnessed firsthand the life-changing impact of assistive technology, from mobility aids to therapies that have helped Abigail grow stronger and more independent.

“Without Abigail’s mobility aids, she wouldn’t be able to attend school, participate in dance class, or build the strength and confidence she has today,” Jacki shares. “C.A.T.S. ensures families like ours have access to the tools their children need to thrive, without the overwhelming financial burden.”

Transforming Lives Through Dance
The generosity of the Spotlight Dance Team and their families is a shining example of how a shared passion can make a real difference. Not only have they provided vital funds for C.A.T.S., but they have also inspired our team and the families we serve with their dedication to being agents of change in their community.

We’re so VERY grateful for the support of Maureen’s School of Dance and the Spotlight Dance Team! Their commitment to our mission allows us to continue providing life-changing equipment to children in need, and we are honored to partner with them again in 2025.

Join the Movement
At C.A.T.S., we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential, and the support of programs like BTC makes that possible. If you’d like to learn more about how you can support our work or get involved with events like the BTC Benefit Show, visit https://www.spotlightonchange.com/ and us at www.atdevicesforkids.org.

Together, we can Be the Change for children with disabilities—one step, one dance, and one act of kindness at a time.