Making an impact thru dance

Our Commitment to Whole Kids Outreach

Supporting Whole Kids Outreach (WKO) has been part of Dancing Thru Life since the studio opened in 2007, but the story began years earlier.

In the mid-1990s, Christine met Sr. Anne Francioni, whose passion for serving children and families in rural Missouri left a lasting impression. As Christine learned more about the outreach effort that would become Whole Kids Outreach, she became involved alongside her family and watched it grow from its earliest days.

As a mother, Christine understood that sometimes families simply need support. She has always believed in supporting local charities and knew that, with Sr. Anne leading the way, every donation was going where it was needed most.

When Dancing Thru Life opened its doors in 2007, supporting Whole Kids Outreach was already an important part of Christine's life. It naturally became part of the studio's culture as well. Annual toy drives and baby showers were among the first traditions established, providing toys, diapers, clothing and other essentials for the children and families served by WKO. Today, those efforts continue alongside our annual Performing For Life show, which benefits Whole Kids Outreach.

The first Performing For Liferaised $1,200 for Whole Kids Outreach. Thanks to the generosity of our dancers, audiences, sponsors and volunteers, that annual contribution grew to $28,000 in 2026. Together, our shows have donated more than $168,000 to support the work of Whole Kids Outreach.

Today, Dancing Thru Life is proud to continue supporting Whole Kids Outreach and the children and families it serves.

To learn more about Whole Kids Outreach and its mission, please visit their website.