When
they give their time and services, the couple shift into their alter egos, widely
known here in the Windham and Raymond areas as Flamin’ Raymin and Sizzlin’
Suzzin.
It
all began approximately 25 years ago, when as single parents, the two met at a
line dance event. Both being single parents who loved to dance, the two quickly
became a pair – going to events and teaching line dance at least six times a
week. “Line dancing was a very big activity during this time,” stated Susan Dupuis.
“Sadly, after about seven years, its popularity seemed to take a dive. About
the same time, we gravitated into entertainment.”
That’s
when their DJ business began. As far as the notable name, the story goes like
this: “We began using the names Flamin’ Raymin’ and Sizzlin’ Suzzin when we
became dance instructors,” Susan Dupuis began. “Ray had been known as ‘Framing
Raymond’ since he was known as one of the fastest framers around in the
construction industry. One night he wore a flame shirt to a line dance event
and he was dubbed Flamin’ Raymin. We decided I would need a catchy name so as a
joke, we came up with Sizzlin’ Suzzin’. Had I known it was going to stick, I
would have chosen a different name,” Susan Dupuis joked.
Over
the years, the two noticed a resurging interest in line dancing but realized
there was not a venue to provide this form of entertainment. This is when they
decided to donate their time as DJ fundraisers. “This gives the dancers a place
to dance and helps out people in need,” Susan Dupuis stated. “It’s a win/win
situation.”
Recent
fundraising and dancing events have
included but are not limited to monies raised for needy children at Christmas
time, as well as funds raised for and donated to a two-year old girl in Windham
who is fighting leukemia.
Raymond
and Susan also enjoy fundraising on a personal level. “The one fundraising
event that is closest to my heart is the event we did to help my daughters meet
their fundraising goal for Tri for a Cure,” explained Susan Dupuis. “Both of my
daughters are breast cancer survivors.”
As
for their DJ fundraising efforts, they both acknowledge the help they have
received from the community to assist with the success of the events. “We are
most thankful for Dena, the owner of Dena’s Restaurant, who has donated the use
of her facilities for many of our events. We also would like to thank the Town
of Windham for the use of the Town Hall Recreation Room for the events that we
have done for the community.”
Flamin’ Raymin’ and Sizzlin Suzzin’ still offer line dancing
classes at Windham/Raymond Adult Education as well as in Gray. For more
information, contact Susan and Raymond at raysuedance.com or 939-4254.
It is their goal to provide a fundraising event once a
month, beginning this fall.
When one gives in ways that helps others, feeling fortunate
seems to go with the territory.
“Ray
and I feel truly blessed to be able to do something we love to help benefit
others” said Dupuis.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your Comments Help Improve Your Community.