In 2009, the Jills started something that was a huge success both in raising funds for the squad and in reaching out to the community. Their Open Practice, just a few days after the Calendar Release Party, was held in the Bills Fieldhouse where the Jills have normally practiced over the years. They started advertising the event in late August as an event in which the younger generation of cheerleaders could come and work with the pros for an evening before showing off what they learned. Since it was the 1st of these events to be put on, we weren't sure what kind of turnout we'd get so when the entrance to the Fieldhouse started overflowing with children and their coaches and parents, we were happily surprised.
Kelli going over how things will work
After Kelli went over how the event would go, the captains led everyone through stretching exercises before splitting everyone off into groups led by 3-4 Jills dancers while the Ambassadors started circulating around, talking to parents and coaches about the Jr Jills program as well as selling raffle tickets for the prizes donated by the Bills and other sponsors.
Ambassadors Ruby, Amanda, and Laura
I spent the bulk of the evening walking around, getting photos of the Jills dancers leading their young charges through practice and talking with the ambassadors and with Stefanie. Stefanie, in her 4th season with the Jills in 2009, had injured her foot and was sidelined for a few weeks.
Anna and Kaitlin working with one group
Kelly Ann and Nichole
Vincenza gives one little lady some one-on-one instruction
After the Jills got all their proteges trained in a routine, they demonstrated what they learned for the parents and coaches in attendance and followed that up with a dance performance by the Jills dancers alone before they split back up into groups to pose for pictures before everyone but the Jills left for the evening, who had to stick around to continue their own practice.
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