Johns Helps Kick Off 30th Annual Teddi Dance For Love At St. John Fisher College

Fundraising event celebrates and commemorates life and families affected by cancer

February 21, 2012

Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster) (center left) and his fiancée, Ginny Nguyen, (far left), joined Gary Mervis, Founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times (center right), and Dr. Lou Butino, a founding organizer of the Teddi Dance for Love (far right), at the 24-hour dance-a-thon.

Assemblyman Mark Johns (R,C-Webster) joined students, fellow St. John Fisher College alumni and members of the community to kick off the 30th annual Teddi Dance for Love fundraiser and dance-a-thon. Within 24 hours, participants raised more than $45,000 for Camp Good Days and Special Times, an organization that provides children and their families with camp programs and trips to Florida during battles with cancer. Over the years, the dance-a-thon has raised over $800,000.

“I am grateful for the work that Camp Good Days and Special Times does to provide emotional respite and fun for kids and families that are fighting cancer,” said Johns. “Their mission to celebrate life, even during the most difficult times, is not lost on our community. I know that many of us look forward to taking part in the annual Teddi Dance for Love to raise cancer awareness and funding, and I feel privileged to have participated.”

This year, the group commemorated the life of J’lon Woody, a child who Camp Good Days and Special Times aided during his two-year battle with cancer. The family noted that a camp-sponsored trip to Disney World made a significant positive impact on the child’s quality of life.

Johns supports the camp’s work and was happy to help kick off the Teddi Dance for Love. The assemblyman was joined by several local dignitaries, including Dr. Donald Bain, President of St. John Fisher, Dr. Lou Butino, a founding organizer of the dance-a-thon and Gary Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days and Special Times. Additionally, Lou Gramm, former lead vocalist of the rock band Foreigner, was this year’s honorary chair. The Teddi Dance for Love is named after Teddi Mervis, who served as an inspiration for Camp Good Days. Assemblyman Johns also participates in "Carry the Ball for Courage" and the annual "Courage Bowl" football game between St. John Fisher and the University of Rochester. Both events also benefit Camp Good Days.

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