Hometown Huddle / Shana

So what do you get when you bring together 6 local schools, a star-studded panel of celebrity judges and United Way - Hometown Huddle!

On Tuesday, October 6, 2009, at the Washington Ballet Studio, "THEARC" - United Way Worldwide, United Way of the National Capital Area (UWNCA) and the Washington Redskins Charitable Foundation held a dance competition. Bill Hanbury, President and CEO of UWNCA, was the emcee for the event. Middle School student groups were judged by a panel of celebrities including NFL-United Way spokesman Santana Moss; world-famous dancer and choreographer Desmond Richardson; and Septime Webre, artistic director of the Washington Ballet. See video here.

See photos here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/wbarronphotos

The NFL and United Way are working together to provide new, fun opportunities for young people to lead healthier lifestyles and this was a great opportunity to showcase that. Childhood obesity is a growing, national health issue and it is affecting kids right here in the nation's capital. The Washington Post reports that 30% of children nationally, 40% of children in the District of Columbia, and 50% of children in DC Wards 7 and 8 are considered overweight and obese.

This was a chance for kids to demonstrate their skills and to enjoy being active. United Way of the National Capital Area is committed to helping kids do this every day in the places where they learn and play, through our child wellness program "Fun, Fly & Fit."

Check back for details soon www.unitedwaynca.org