For 12 years in February, a lip sync battle benefiting Danny & Ron’s Rescue has welcomed teams of all ages to participate in an annual fundraiser. This year, due to COVID-19, and to ensure the safety of all involved, organizers realized they had to get creative or risk losing the momentum in their fundraising efforts to change the lives of abandoned, neglected and abused dogs.
Conceptualized in 2008 by Kim Koloff, the 2021 edition of the Lip Sync Battle has moved away from a traditional venue with sell-out crowds and is being held virtually.
Acts and participant of the #Battle4DRR can be viewed online through Feb. 28 with teams raising funds via virtual donations and pledges.
Some of the most steadfast supporters since the inception of the Lip Sync is a team known as the Backstage Girls. Together, this group of equestrian professionals consisting of Cara Cheska, Leslie Pack, Stacy Arani and Anne Caroline Valtin have choreographed kids, fundraised, offered backstage support and have created performances that have had everyone on their feet.
To date, the team has raised nearly $30,000, with donations rolling in from the equestrian community, friends and family, the Wellington community and beyond. “I have been participating in the Danny & Ron’s Lip Sync since the very beginning, and we are thrilled to keep the tradition going by having a virtual rendition this year,” Cheska said. “We have all had to make some adjustments and pivot due to COVID-19, but the support has been tremendous, and we are so glad to keep the momentum going to continue supporting Danny and Ron in their mission to save dogs.”
To donate to this year’s Danny & Ron’s Lip Sync and to the Backstage Girls team, visit their page at: https://p2p.onecause.com/battle4ddr/team/backstage-girls.
Since its early beginnings in 2005, Danny & Ron’s Rescue has saved more than 12,300 dogs. All donations have a direct impact on their ability to keep rescuing puppy mill dogs, bait dogs used in dog fighting and hundreds of dogs from shelters — often moments away from euthanasia.
Visit www.dannyronsrescue.org to learn more.
