Byron Center students organize Chicken Dance to raise money for Children's Hospital

By Erin Albanese | The Grand Rapids Press
April 19, 2010

BYRON TOWNSHIP -- Move over Rob Bliss, 84th Street SW is the Funky Chicken's stage.

Byron Center High School student Zachary DeRade and his peers are attempting to organize a large flock for 15 minutes of the infamous chicken dance Friday in support of the Helen DeVos Children's Hospital Foundation.

A portion of the street will be closed for the wing-flapping, tail shaking event, which will kick off the student council's annual effort to raise money for the foundation.

Other fundraising events include the 24-hour Sittin' Chick'n, with students perching on Jake's Byron Center Hotel chicken sculpture starting at 4 p.m. Friday and the high school talent show, Mock Rock.

"Everyone's invited," said DeRade, a student council member who has helped spread the word via Facebook. "We want mind-boggling numbers. If you live in West Michigan, come dance with us."

DeRade said he hopes the dance inspires more donations.

The annual Mock Rock show starts at 7:30 p.m. April 27 at the Van Singel Fine Arts Center, 8500 Burlingame Ave. SW. Admission is $5.

In 2009, all the events generated more than $7,000, and students aim to raise $10,000 or more this year. In the past three years, they have raised about $20,000.

Tara Werkhoven, director of annual giving for Spectrum Health and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital foundations, said she looks forward every year to hearing what Byron Center High School has planned. Two years ago, a student and teacher sat inside a trophy case to raise money.

"It's so great to see children get so creative and really get behind the hospital," she said.

Foundation development staff members plan to take part in Byron Center's events

*courtesy of mlive.com