A local dance studio is turning a difficult situation into an opportunity to come together.
MJ's Starlights Baton and Dance Studio is working to recover a large amount of money that was recently stolen from the studio. The loss has been a significant setback, but the studio is determined to keep moving forward for its students, and the community has already responded with an incredible outpouring of love and support.
Now, that support is taking shape in five upcoming fundraisers. Each gives families, friends and neighbors a different way to help while having some fun along the way, from a night of bowling and a Halloween dance to bus trips to Koziar's Christmas Village, New York City and a Broadway show. Every ticket purchased and every bit of support helps.
Here's a look at each event:
🎳 Bowl. Dance. Support. Fundraiser Night
Kick off the fundraising season with a night on the lanes on Friday, October 9, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Colony Park Lanes & Games, 1900 Pennsylvania Ave., York. Check-in begins at 5:30 p.m.
Tickets are $25 and include two hours of bowling and shoe rental, with fun music to keep the good vibes rolling. Tickets must be purchased in advance, and the last day to buy is Wednesday, October 7. Tickets can be purchased using the QR code on the event flyer. All proceeds benefit MJ's Starlights.
🎃 Halloween Dance Fundraiser
Get dressed up, hit the dance floor and celebrate Halloween at the MJ's Starlights Halloween Dance Fundraiser on Friday, October 16, from 5 to 11 p.m. at York New Salem Fire Co., 65 E. George St.
The evening will feature music, dancing and plenty of Halloween fun. DJ music has been donated by Jimmy, helping make the event possible.
Tickets are $25 when pre-ordered or $30 at the door. All are welcome! To purchase tickets or get more information, email events@mjsstarlights.com.
✨ Koziar's Christmas Village Bus Trip
If a night surrounded by millions of Christmas lights sounds like your style, MJ's Starlights and Lilith's Adventures Travel Agency are heading to Koziar's Christmas Village on Saturday, November 14, for a magical evening of holiday lights and family fun.
The bus will depart from Weis Markets at 1800 Roosevelt Ave. in York at 3 p.m. and return around 11:30 p.m. The $60.47 ticket includes round-trip bus transportation and admission to Koziar's Christmas Village.
Guests can enjoy millions of lights, train displays, a visit with Santa and plenty of holiday memories along the way. There are 55 seats available, so reservations are encouraged.
To reserve your seat, call or text 717-417-4595, or purchase tickets online through SimpleTix. Payments are non-refundable and seats are limited.
🎄 Christmas in New York Fundraiser Trip
Ready for a little holiday magic in the Big Apple? Lilith's Adventures and MJ's Starlights are teaming up for a Christmas in New York Fundraiser Trip on Saturday, December 12.
A comfortable, restroom-equipped charter bus will leave from Weis Markets at 1800 Roosevelt Ave. in York at 6 a.m., arriving in New York City around 10 a.m. You'll then have the day to explore the city on your own, shopping, dining and taking in the holiday sights, before the bus departs New York at 10 p.m. Light snacks and drinks will be provided on the trip.
Attractions and activities are on your own, giving you the flexibility to create your own New York City adventure. Possible stops include Rockefeller Center, Fifth Avenue holiday windows, Bryant Park Winter Village, Times Square and Central Park.
Tickets are $92.51 per person, with only 55 seats available. Proceeds from the trip will go directly to MJ's Starlights to help with competition season expenses.
Reservations can be made through SimpleTix or by calling 717-417-4595. Payment options include cash, Cash App and Venmo. Tickets are non-refundable, and participants must be 18 or older or accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
🌟 Dolly: A True Original Musical Bus Trip
Looking ahead to 2027, MJ's Starlights and Lilith's Adventures are also organizing a bus trip to see Dolly: A True Original Musical at the St. James Theatre in New York City on Saturday, February 20, 2027.
The bus, provided by Bailey's Motor Coach, will pick up at Weis Markets at 1800 Roosevelt Ave. in York at 7:30 a.m. and arrive at the theater around 12:30 p.m. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., and the show begins at 2 p.m. and ends around 4:30 p.m. Guests will then have free time until 7 p.m. for dinner or shopping, which is not included in the ticket price. The bus departs New York at 7 p.m. and is expected back in York around 11:45 p.m.
Tickets are $171 per person, with driver gratuity included. Proceeds will benefit both MJ's Starlights and Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. To reserve a seat, call or text Elizabeth Caswell at 717-417-4595 or use the payment link or QR code on the event flyer.
For MJ's Starlights, these fundraisers are about more than raising money. They are about protecting the opportunities and experiences the studio provides for its students and making sure they can continue to learn, perform, compete and shine.
The studio says it has been completely overwhelmed by the love and kindness shown by its families, friends and community during this difficult time.
Whether you bowl a few frames, dance the night away in your Halloween costume, take in the lights at Koziar's, explore New York at Christmas or catch a Broadway show, there are plenty of ways to show your support.
Every ticket makes a difference. Every share helps spread the word. And every act of kindness helps MJ's Starlights keep moving forward.
Together, we as a community can help MJ's Starlights come back stronger and keep these young performers shining bright.
