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Ashland dancers tripped up by funding By Tony Boom ASHLAND � Dance Ashland couldn�t raise the money it needed to appear in the Citrus Bowl halftime show New Year�s Day, but the 14-member squad may make the 2002 event. "We all cried. It was all very disappointing, but we all handled it very well," said Kristin Cipes, a team member. "We know there will be other chances and opportunities for us." Invitations to appear in the Citrus Bowl at Orlando, Fla., were extended to 11 Ashland High and three Ashland Middle School dance team members after they participated in a four-day dance camp in August. Fund raising started in October but fell short of the needed $1,500 per participant. "There were a lot of tears. It was hard for them," said Jan Brown, mother of a dancer. "But they learned something as a team." The group first considered how many could pay their own way, but decided if they couldn�t go as a team they didn�t want to go, said Brown. "We wanted it to be a team thing," said Cipes. "We may look for other things (to do as a team)." Some of the larger donations the team hoped for didn�t materialize. The group needed more than $20,000. "We couldn�t raise all that money in a short amount of time," said Brown. A benefit performance at the Oregon Tiger Sanctuary in Eagle Point raised $7,750. Businesses and community members gave $1,200. Fund-raising events brought in about $750. Efforts to raise money for Citrus Bowl trip will begin earlier next year, said Brown. Organizers have asked donors if the team may keep the contributions, and most donors have agreed, said Brown. The money will be used to finance team participation in regional and statewide dance team competitions and other appearances. This is the first year Ashland�s dance teams will be able to compete in state competitions. They will compete in Springfield Jan. 13. The high school team performs at Ashland basketball games. Reach Ashland bureau reporter Tony Boom at 482-4651, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2000 Mail Tribune, Inc.