Newsworthy

Knot Best Of Recognition

Something 2 Dance 2 has been selected as a 2007, 2008 & 2009 Pick for The Knot Best of Weddings magazine, a coast-to-coast, by-brides-for-brides guide to the top wedding sites, photographers, florists, and more in over 40 key cities across the United States published by The Knot Inc., the #1 wedding website and most trusted wedding resource.

The Knot conducted its survey of over 20,000 recent brides to capture detailed feedback on every business that couples hired for their wedding celebration. Chicago newlyweds contributed their raves and reviews on the area's wedding professionals. The newlyweds were asked to rate their vendors on multiple criteria, from creativity to professionalism, and to comment on their experiences. The resulting ratings and detailed feedback were aggregated by the editors of The Knot to create this one-of-a-kind publication highlighting the best wedding resources in each region according to local brides. The survey was administered by Harris Interactive.

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St. Charles Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year

Tamara Sims has been extremely active in the St. Charles Chamber of Commerce since 2005. She can be found at Ribbon Cuttings welcoming new Businesses, and at numerous Chamber events throughout the year. In 2007, Something 2 Dance 2 was named business of the year in the Business to Consumer Category.

In 2008, Tamara Sims began her 3 year term on the Chamber of Commerce Board.

In 2007, Tamara Sims was recognized as Chamber Member of the Year.

Active Member in Women's Business Council

Former Lead$ Chair and active Lead$ Member

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WedGuild™

Jay Sims is the only "certified" Wedding Entertainment Director ™ in the Chicagoland area. This is a monumental achievement that represents the highest attained level of academic standards available in the wedding industry. Wedding Entertainment Directors ™ possess a unique level of qualifications and acquired skill set derived from extensive advance level training and education in the fields of event planning, coordination, entertainment, creativity and customer service.

Customers can expect attention-to-detail that is a quantum leap above the rest. Your guests will experience an ensemble of entertainment that will bring out every emotion imaginable. Jay Sims is competent, experienced and committed to the highest ethical standards in the presentation of services for your wedding day. When you rely upon the proven experience of a Wedding Entertainment Director ™, you are insuring the success of your event and maximizing it to it's full potential.

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American Disc Jockey Association

Jay Sims is a co-founder of the Chicago Chapter of the American Disc Jockey Association (ADJA) in 2004. In 2008, he continued his role on the board of directors by taking over the Membership Secretary position in charge of all membership. The ADJA is committed to helping other DJs build and grow their business. At our annual convention in February 2006, our Chapter was named ‘Chapter of the Year' for leading the country in number of members and our philanthropic support of the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. As a board member, Jay is integral in increasing membership and raising the perception and professionalism of the Mobile Disc Jockey. In 2008, Jay and the Chicago ADJA Board spearheaded a series of panel discussions for 3 consecutive months to bring together Photographers, Videographers and Catering Managers. This question and answer format focused on the importance of working together as a team to provide the best service each and every bride and groom deserves on their wedding day. Jay was the moderator and was praised for his innovation, diplomacy and continued drive to improve our industry. Jay is currently the vice-president for 2010.

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Mobile Beat Conference Speaker

Jay's national recognition with the ADJA and WedGuild allowed him to be honored to present a seminar at a National Convention in February 2009 to over 1000 DJs. Jay presented 'A Wedding Ceremony ... It's not just walking down the aisle'

According to a 2006 survey by Condé Nast Bridal Media, 38% of couples choose to have their wedding ceremony at the same venue as the reception. Jay presented on how to be an integral part of the Bride's Ceremony just like the reception and develop comprehensive timelines, attend rehearsals and provide sound support.

 

 

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Northwestern University Dance Marathon

The Northwestern University Dance Marathon (DM) is the largest student-run philanthropic event in the country. From September to March, thousands of students volunteer their time and energy to raise money for charity. These year long efforts culminate in one spectacular weekend where hundreds of students dance for 30 straight hours while thousands of visitors from all across Chicagoland and beyond cheer them on.

For the past 13 years, Jay Sims has donated his time to be the sole DJ for all 30 hours, in charge of keeping 1000 college students dancing! Jay got his start during his Senior year at Northwestern in 1997 and has been performing ever since.

DM 2009 took place in March and raised $918,000 for Project Kindle, a national organization who serves as a support system for families affected or infected by HIV and AIDS and as an educator for the general public. The Evanston Community Foundation was the secondary beneficiary for the 12th year.

Since its inaugural year, DM has raised over $10 million for various charities.

www.nudm.org

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St. Baldrick's Foundation

On March 6, 2009, Something 2 Dance 2 employee Andrew Moody donated his DJ, Emcee and Hair to St. Baldrick's at John Barleycorn's in Schaumburg. Yes, I said hair, as Andrew Moody shaved his head in support of childhhood cancer. We thank Eric Jones, for organizing this wonderful event, as we were there in support for our 3rd year. Please go to www.stbaldricks.org for more information.

"I appreciate the support from Something 2 Dance 2 for the past few years....it makes the event more interesting with real music (not an iPod) and an Emcee." … Eric Jones-Chair

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Starlight Children's Foundation

The Starlight Starbright Children’s Foundation helps seriously ill children and their families cope with their pain, fear and isolation through entertainment, education and family activities. Jay has been involved in two events every year in support of this wonderful organization.

The first is the Dream Date Auction in February that raises hundreds of thousands of dollars for the organization through live and silent auctions. Jay donates his time to provide the music during the live auction and throughout the evening.

The second event and the one Jay loves the most is the annual Starlight Prom for the kids. It is the best 3 hours of the year for Jay and Something 2 Dance 2 as he entertains the kids of Starlight through music, games and entertainment. Jay has been performing at the prom since its inception in 2000 and the kids love having him back every year.