Charity has officials rocking tutus for holiday cheer

Town officials and business owners are adding a new bit of clothing to their dress codes this month: red tutus.

Along with it being a festive fashion statement, officials are doing so to help raise money for the Friends of Jack Foundation as part of the charity’s third-annual #TutuChallenge. 

Those who are asked to participate are asked to donate $100 to the Mattapoisett-based charity with all proceeds going back to provide gifts for sick kids in need of holiday cheer.

Town Administrator Shawn MacInnes recently rocked his tutu after being challenged by Deputy Police Chief Tony Vincent, who wore a tutu with a traditional Scottish kilt.

“It seems like we deal with Covid one hundred percent of the time, so it’s nice to support other issues that need to be addressed,” MacInnes said. “Plus everyone gets a good laugh out of it.”

Up next to wear a tutu, the town administrator said, is Public Health Director Chris Michaud.

The challenge first began in 2019 as a creative way to get donors involved each holiday season, Jill Fearons, the foundation’s executive director, noted.

“Plus, who doesn’t want to wear a red tutu around Christmas?” she said with a laugh.

While the challenge officially kicks off each November, Fearons begins laying the groundwork in July by reaching out to her “usual suspects” and purchasing their tutus ahead of time. After donning the tutu, the challenge is passed on to the person or organization of their choice.

Even with the preparation, she still needs to adjust for sudden additions wanting to join in on the fun.

“I just dropped [some] off at the Marion police department and they told me they need four more tutus since they want the whole department involved,” Fearons said.

The challenge is not just limited to the South Coast. Fearon notes that challengers have submitted photos from Florida and New York. 

Boston Celtics mascot Lucky the Leprechaun even likes to don the tutu.

“When he got it he was so happy to get it,” Fearon noted. “Lucky has done this every year so far.”

Along with the growing number of tutus, the number of donations has also increased since 2019.

In 2020, the Tutu Challenge raised more than $14,000, with nearly 700 area kids receiving presents.

While the foundation’s donations have been impressive, what especially impresses her is the creativity participants have brought to the challenge. Some include dogs in tutus, while others involve entire police departments dancing on TikTok.

“It’s really fun to see how it’s evolved,” she said. “Really shows how the community comes together.”

The challenge runs through Dec. 18. To learn more, visit friendsofjack.org/tutu-challenge.