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In memory of
Dr. Ralph Joseph Gagnon
Background
These funds were created to honor Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon passion for both Ballet Arts and Chico World Dance and to ensure that the beauty of dance — both classical and community-based — continues to flourish in Chico for generations to come.
For more than sixty years, Bonnie and Ralph were devoted members of the Chico World Dance community. Folk dancing was not simply something they attended — it was where they built friendships, explored cultures, listened to live music, laughed, and moved through life together. It was joyful, participatory, and deeply social.
At the same time, they held a profound love for ballet and the performing arts. They believed in the discipline, artistry, and storytelling of classical dance. They understood that ballet, like folk dance, connects generations and keeps tradition alive while allowing new creativity to emerge.
These funds honors both of their passions.
It recognizes that dance can be experienced in a circle of friends and on a theater stage. It can be shared hand-in-hand or watched with wonder from an audience seat. Both forms enrich a community. Both require support. Both create belonging.
These funds provides enduring financial stability for ballet productions, educational programs, scholarships, outreach efforts, and the continued vitality of Chico World Dance gatherings and traditions. It helps remove financial barriers, strengthens artistic excellence, and ensures that community members of all ages can continue to experience the joy of movement and music.
Most importantly, it safeguards the future of dance in Chico.
Bonnie and Ralph believed that dance builds community. It fosters connection. It keeps culture alive. Through this fund, their lifelong devotion to both ballet and Chico World Dance continues — in every rehearsal, every gathering, every shared step.
Their legacy is not only remembered.
It is danced. Contribute to The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts
Contribute to Chico World Dance
For more than sixty years, Bonnie and Ralph were devoted members of the Chico World Dance community. Folk dancing was not simply something they attended — it was where they built friendships, explored cultures, listened to live music, laughed, and moved through life together. It was joyful, participatory, and deeply social.
At the same time, they held a profound love for ballet and the performing arts. They believed in the discipline, artistry, and storytelling of classical dance. They understood that ballet, like folk dance, connects generations and keeps tradition alive while allowing new creativity to emerge.
These funds honors both of their passions.
It recognizes that dance can be experienced in a circle of friends and on a theater stage. It can be shared hand-in-hand or watched with wonder from an audience seat. Both forms enrich a community. Both require support. Both create belonging.
These funds provides enduring financial stability for ballet productions, educational programs, scholarships, outreach efforts, and the continued vitality of Chico World Dance gatherings and traditions. It helps remove financial barriers, strengthens artistic excellence, and ensures that community members of all ages can continue to experience the joy of movement and music.
Most importantly, it safeguards the future of dance in Chico.
Bonnie and Ralph believed that dance builds community. It fosters connection. It keeps culture alive. Through this fund, their lifelong devotion to both ballet and Chico World Dance continues — in every rehearsal, every gathering, every shared step.
Their legacy is not only remembered.
It is danced. Contribute to The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts
Contribute to Chico World Dance
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In lieu of flowers
Please consider a contribution to The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts or Chico World Dance.
Support The Bonnie and Ralph Gagnon Charitable Fund for Ballet Arts
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Created with love by
Debbie Jorritsma (Ralph's friend) and
William Keswick (Ralph's friend).
