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MOMbies Dance to Donate

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MOMbies Dance to Donate is a philanthropic initiative spearheaded by a collective of mothers who transform into "ghastly zombies" to raise funds for metastatic breast cancer research through dance performances.[1] Originating on Halloween night in 2016[2][3][4] the initiative supports the Cancer Couch Foundation. As of Halloween 2023, Mombies Dance to Donate had successfully raised over $180,000, creating a cherished tradition in their New England community.[citation needed]

History

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The inception of MOMbies Dance to Donate dates back to the fall of 2016 when Terry Davis, the creator and director of MOMbies, envisioned a flash mob of spooky moms surprising their kids and neighbors on Halloween.[5][6][7] This idea soon evolved into regular rehearsals masked as Zumba sessions, girls' nights out, or book club meetings.[8] On Halloween night, dressed in homemade costumes, the moms emerged as zombies from bushes, driveways, and front porches, enchanting the neighborhood as they danced. The MOMbie Movement was born.

The Cancer Couch Foundation

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The core mission of MOMbies is to 'dance to donate,' aimed at raising funds for metastatic breast cancer research through the Cancer Couch Foundation. Through their captivating performances, they provide a platform for community engagement, fun, and support towards an important cause. The Cancer Couch Foundation was founded in 2015 by Dr. Rebecca Timlin-Scalera who was battling stage 4 metastatic breast cancer. The foundation funds research at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute and Memorial-Sloan-Kettering. Dr. Scalera passed away in 2019.[9][10]

The MOMbie Movement

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The MOMbies initiative has transformed from a bunch of neighborhood moms into a movement of purposeful play and meaningful contributions towards breast cancer research. Their journey reflects the power of community, creativity, and the impactful difference collective action can make. Over the years, the MOMbies have become a cherished tradition in their New England town, fostering lifelong friendships among participants and resonating across the community. Their dance performances have become a symbol of hope, joy, and the indomitable spirit of collective action against breast cancer.

Virality

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The MOMbies' dance performances, shared online, have become a viral sensation, encapsulating love, kindness, and community spirit. Their videos serve as a rallying point, encouraging viewers to contribute to the cause and spread the word further. MOMbies Dance to Donate have attracted national [11][12][13][14][15] and international attention, earning global news recognition.[16][17][18]

Choreography

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The choreography, a significant aspect of the MOMbies' performances, has been orchestrated by Vinny Patino,[19] and as of 2023, Paul Herman,[20] who have also contributed

Achievements

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Since its inception, MOMbies has seen their videos go viral, reaching millions and raising over $180,000 for metastatic breast cancer research as of 2023.[21] Their annual Halloween performances have evolved, featuring new music and choreography, and engaging various segments of the community including Fairfield University students and local first responders.[22]

References

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  1. ^ "BACKSTORY". Mombies Dance to Donate. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  2. ^ Ferrari, Jerrod (November 2, 2016). "Fairfield moms transform in to Mombies in Halloween video". CT Insider. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  3. ^ "Fairfield Moms Thrill Trick-or-Treaters with Flash Mob Performance". Fairfield, CT Patch. 2016-11-02. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  4. ^ Landaverde • •, Briceyda (2023-10-25). "A group of MOMbies is dancing to raise awareness about metastatic breast cancer". NBC Connecticut. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  5. ^ Ryan, Lidia (2017-11-01). "Fairfield 'MOMbies' dance for a good cause". Connecticut Post. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  6. ^ ""Mombies" Raise Money For A Good Cause Every Halloween". Scary Mommy. 2023-10-23. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  7. ^ Yada, Hina (October 27, 2023). "Moms dress up and dance as 'mombies' to raise money for charity every Halloween". www.msn.com. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  8. ^ "Meet The MOMbies, A Group Of Moms From Connecticut Who Dress Up As Zombies And Perform Annual Halloween Dances To Raise Money For Metastatic Breast Cancer Research". Chip Chick. 2023-10-19. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  9. ^ Eichenberg, Gretchen (2023-10-27). "Connecticut moms prowl neighborhood as zombies to raise money for breast cancer research". Fox News. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  10. ^ "Dancing mob of Mombies, zombie housewives, dance on Halloween". 2023-10-28. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  11. ^ ABC World News Tonight (October 31, 2023). "Video 'MOMbies' raise awareness for breast cancer". ABC News. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  12. ^ "'Mombies' raise money for breast cancer research". NBC News. Retrieved 2023-11-01.
  13. ^ Weiss, Abby (2023-10-19). "The Fairfield 'MOMbies' get shout-outs from 'GMA,' 'Today Show'". SFGATE. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  14. ^ "'Mombies' dance to donate in Fairfield fundraiser". NBC New York. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  15. ^ BOTELHO, JESSICA A. | The National Desk (2023-10-23). "'Mombies' unite for Halloween fun, but also to raise funds to fight metastatic breast cancer". The National Desk. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  16. ^ "Watch: 'Mombies,' Moms Dressed Up As Zombies, Take Over Streets In US; Dance To Thriller". IndiaTimes. 2023-10-25. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  17. ^ "'Zombies' take over US streets to raise funds for breast cancer research". Hindustan Times. 2023-10-24. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  18. ^ ""Mombies": mães se vestem como zumbis e dançam por boa causa". Crescer (in Brazilian Portuguese). 2023-10-17. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  19. ^ Weiss, Abby (2022-10-03). "Gallery: 'MOMbies' group performs dance for first time since 2019". CT Insider. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  20. ^ "Moms dress up and dance as 'mombies' to raise money for charity every Halloween". scoop.upworthy.com. 2023-10-27. Retrieved 2023-10-30.
  21. ^ Parker-Pope, Tara (October 26, 2023). "You've heard of zombies. Now meet the 'Mombies.'". Washington Post. Retrieved October 29, 2023.
  22. ^ Ryan, Lidia (2019-03-01). "Fairfield 'MOMbies' surprise crowd at basketball game". Connecticut Post. Retrieved 2023-10-30.