Foundation Update

The ETFJS sincerely appreciates the overwhelming response we have received from donors and interested parties. We are happy to report that in 2009 we received 3 applications for assistance. All three were related to Junior SOS and the ETFJS was able to financially support all three kids so that they could enjoy Junior SOS at North Myrtle Beach. Please take a moment to read below what these young dancers and others are saying about the ETFJS and its work towards helping kids experience the joy of shag dancing.

Junior & Junior Parent Comments:

Event: Junior SOS 2009

I would like to say thank you for the shoes that I won during Jr. SOS 2010. I was one of the lucky winners of the drawing for the gift certificates from Judy’s. I had to have Mrs. Judy order my shoes because my foot is so small and I recieved them in the mail this week. Mrs. Judy was so nice to me and even traced my feet to make sure my shoes were a perfect fit. My dad looked for me a pair of shoes that I could shag in for the first 2 days of Jr SOS. It has been very hard to find shoes that I can dance in but because of your foundation I now have the perfect pair of shag shoes.

Sincerely,
Ethan Alban (age 9)
Florence, SC

Event: Junior SOS 2009

Miss Ellen,

I just ran across your organization’s website today and was thrilled to find it. This summer was my daughter’s first Junior SOS. In fact, she was just learning her basic. She showed up to Junior SOS feeling inferior due to not having shag shoes. We were pleasantly surprised to learn of your program once we got there. She was able to find a pair that not only fit but were in beautiful condition and truly made her feel like Cinderella at the ball. I feel that having that new pair of shag shoes gave her the confidence to stand up next to other children that had been dancing for years and give it her best at every workshop possible, as well as joining them for social dance.

She’s been dancing several times a week ever since and will even be competing in Nationals in a few short weeks. She’s come a long way in a short time, but it all started with your gift of her first shag shoes. Thank you so much. Without knowing it, you have made quite an impact in her life, for shagging is something that she will be able to do forever. She also went to several of your practice sessions during Junior SOS and found them to be extremely helpful and truly appreciated the one on one instruction.

When it comes time to round up volunteers to help in this year’s endeavors, please keep me in mind. I will be more than happy to help out any way I can.

Sincerely,
“A Grateful Parent”

“Miss Ellen, Thank you very much for helping me practice. I love shagging.”
“A Junior Shagger

“…I want to say thanks to the Ellen Taylor Foundation and the people who organized 2009 Junior SOS. My favorite thing about the event was the chance to dance with a junior pro and others who have danced for years. Also, I loved learning new steps in all the workshops. I hope to use what I learned in a contest coming up soon. Dancing and even placing 3rd in the mixed doubles amateur was a lot of fun and gave me a taste of competing. I look forward to coming again next year!”
Drew O’Dell

“(Miss Ellen) … Thank you so much for remembering me. You are the most wonderful person. I think Michael Norris and company have some serious competition snipping at their heels. I thought it was great. My 9 year old daughter had a great time also. She had never seen anything like that. She made a lot of friends. She only went to one class. I didn’t make her do anything she did’t want to do. She learned the boogie walk from Julya Scoggins and the Tripple Sugar in one class. She is excited to come back. Her half sister which is my ex stepdaughter came to Myrtle Beach on Friday with her church group. She came up to see us at the pavillion and liked it so much she brought the whole church group up Friday night. She is 19 and has never seen Shag. Her and her friends loved it. My Parents were also there a few days and had a wonderful time. I could go on and on. We all look forward to coming back again next year. I think it was by far the best vacation My daughter has ever had. I hope to see you soon.”
Todd

” Dear Miss Taylor,
I went to my first Jr. SOS yesterday with my grandparents and really had a great time. I also got my first pair of shag shoes from your foundation. Thank you so much for the shoes and for all you do. Sincerely,”
Connor Marquez