Irish dancer Oona Harrington has raised over $3,600 for Rutgers Cancer Institute with her unique video series
Oona Harrigan is "Irish dancing everywhere" in an effort to raise funds for the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
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23-year-old Harrigan, who works for the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, wanted to participate in the Insititute's annual 'bike ride for a cure' fundraising effort, but, not owning a bike, the Irish dancer chose to lace up her shoes instead.
Harrigan wrote on her fundraising page: “I was SO excited to find out I could be a "virtual rider" because well, I actually do not own a bike so I'll just do my own thing - going around to random places and making up Irish dance steps (I mean like I do that anyway, but its more fun with a team to support me).”
“For every donation that is made to my team, I will go somewhere and do what I love - making up Irish dance steps.”
Harrigan noted that there is no obligation to donate a certain amount and that any and all donations are very much appreciated.
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On June 4, Harrigan began chronicling her Irish dance videos on her Instagram page@irishdance_for_cancer_research, which has since amassed nearly 1000 followers and more than 100 videos.
She told TAPInto Westfield: “Every time I receive a donation of any amount, I post a video of myself dancing in a random place, or a video of another dancer if they send me their video.”
The former competitive Irish dancer, who also danced with the Boston College Irish Dance group during her college years, said she is drawing upon the close-knit Irish dance community for support: “I’ve been reaching out to a lot of other dancers and people I know from Boston College. I’ve gotten a lot more support than I had expected.”
“My friends have been very helpful with that. They’re always willing to videotape. If I have to ask a random person, usually they’re usually just more confused than anything else, but then when I explain that its to raise money, they’re like ‘Oh, OK.’”
Harrigan is also encouraging other Irish dancers to join in on the fun: “If you happen to be an Irish dancer yourself - please feel free to join in! All videos will be posted on my Instagram account.”
Recently, Harrigan joined dancers from the New Jersey-based Marie Moore School of Irish Dance, where Harrigan first began her lessons when she was just 6-year-olds, for a few steps:
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As of Tuesday afternoon, Harrigan has raised more than $3,600 for Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey.
“I could not be enjoying this project more as I am able to dance everywhere, which I love, as well as bring awareness and fundraising to a cause I care about," Harrigan said.
You can learn more about Oona Harrigan's fundraising efforts here, or follow her Instagram here.
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