Surf’s Up – It’s Time for Teddi

January 30, 2026

It was a full crowd at the Very Beary Brunch on Friday, Jan. 30 with the Teddi Dance for Love Committee, Camp Good Days staff and board members, Fisher faculty and staff, and members of the community showing up to support the annual event that serves as the official countdown kick-off for the Teddi Dance for Love, taking place Friday, Feb. 6 through Saturday, Feb. 7.

The chair and vice chair speak at the Very Beary Brunch for Teddi Dance for Love.

This year’s chair and vice chair, Victoria Howard ’26 and Grad Coleman ’27, introduced the theme of this year’s dance, “Surf’s Up,” and emceed the brunch program, welcoming guests and sharing their gratitude for the support of the Fisher community. Gary Mervis, founder of Camp Good Days, and President Rooney, also offered remarks.

“Our campus community has embraced Camp, its campers, and families, for the past 44 years with an increasing passion and devotion to this very special place in our community. It is that passion that ignites our students to keep this tradition alive and in doing so, they make a significant impact. Their example reminds us all that when we follow our passions, and serve with purpose, we can bring about positive change,” said Rooney.

Howard and Coleman also introduced the honorary chair of the dance, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF) Special Agent Michael Curran, a longtime supporter of Camp. He has been involved in Project T.I.P.S. and the Project Exile Advisory Board of Camp Good Days, and as honorary chair, he will help kick off the main event on Friday, Feb. 6, and encourage students as they dance for love.

“What you accomplish year in and year out is nothing short of remarkable. I have so much respect for everyone involved in organizing the Teddi Dance for Love. You are amazing, and this community is a better place because of you,” said Curran. “Thank you for the honor of selecting me as your honorary chair and thanks to everyone here for their hard work and commitment.”

The Committee also presented this year’s Dr. Lou Buttino Faculty and Staff Involvement Award to Deacon Jonathan Schott for his dedication to the dance year after year. Grayce Trimboli ’25 was the recipient of the Teddietta Award for her continuing involvement with the dance and with the University.

Each year the Teddi Dance for Love is dedicated to someone who has become near and dear to Camp Good Days. This year, Fisher students will dance in honor of Lucas Lowe, who lost his battle to cancer in March 2025 at the age of 21. He was diagnosed with leukemia when he was seven years old and found Camp Good Days. According to his mother, Maureen, who shared his story during the brunch, he saw only the good in people and Camp showed him that. He served as an honorary coach in the Courage Bowl and participated in the Florida trip funded by the Teddi Dance proceeds. He will be remembered at the dance on Saturday, Feb. 7.  

As is tradition, the Committee will also host a carnival on Saturday, Feb. 7, from 4-6 p.m. for the Camp Good Days campers featuring a bounce house, carnival games, and treats. The carnival is also open to the children of Fisher faculty and staff.

Follow @TeddiDance4Love on Instagram for updates. To register for the dance, make a donation, or sign up to volunteer, visit the Teddi website.

24 Hours of Dancing for Love Highlights (the full schedule will be posted on the Teddi website):

Friday, Feb. 6:

  • 8-8:30 p.m. Opening Ceremony
  • 9-9:30 p.m. Fun in the Sun Hour
  • 9:55-10:30 p.m. Taylor Swift Sponsored by SGA
  • 10:30-10:40 p.m. Fisher Cheer Performance
  • 10:40-11:40 p.m. Cardinal Hour with DJ Jack Laino ’21
  • 11:45-12 a.m. Fisher Dance Performance

Saturday, Feb. 7

  • 12:15-12:45 a.m. - Midnight Pizza  
  • 1:15 a.m. - Limbo Competition
  • 2:30-3 a.m. - Beach Volleyball and Teen Beach Movie Hour
  • 4:50-5:30 a.m. - High School Musical Hour
  • 8 a.m. - Livin’ on a Prayer - Halfway Point!
  • 10 a.m.-12 noon - Mechanical Surfboard Competition with SAB
  • 10:20-11 a.m. - Country Radio Hour with Terry Clifford Sponsored by ACS
  • 11-11:30 a.m. - Captain’s Hour
  • 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. - Alumni Hour
  • 2:45 - 3:30 p.m. - Faculty and Staff Hour
  • 3 p.m. – The Campers arrive!
  • 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Live performance by local band Almost There  
  • 5:45-6:20 p.m. - Camp Skits
  • 6:25 p.m. - Haircut Reveal
  • 6:30-7 p.m. - Lucas’ Hour
  • 7-7:30 p.m. - Dedication and Balloon and Bubble Release
  • 7:30-8 p.m. - Committee Hour
  • 8 p.m. - Closing Ceremony and Fundraising Total Reveal
A sign with sponsors logos at the Very Beary Brunch.
Thankful to so many supportive sponsors!
Members of the Teddi Dance for Love committee stand to be recognized at the Very Beary Brunch.
Recognizing members of the Teddi Dance for Love committee.
The chair and vice chair speak to media at the Very Beary Brunch.
Interviews with the Teddi Dance for Love chair, vice chair.
Teddi Dance for Love 44 is dedicated to Lucas Lowe, and his mother speaks to share his memory.
Teddi Dance for Love 44 is dedicated to Lucas Lowe.
Centerpieces at the Very Beary Brunch include buckets of sand for the Surfs Up theme.
Getting ready for the Surf’s Up theme at this year’s dance.