Awwww…you’re such a Sweetheart.

…or you COULD be!

Heads-up NFL and NBA dance team alumni: Sweethearts for Soldiers is recruiting!

Those of you who have been with us for a while are familiar with Sweethearts for Soldiers. For those who aren’t, here’s a little background: SFS was founded a couple of years ago by Bari Yonkers and Tonya Helman. At the time, both were recently-retired NFL Cheerleaders (Bari from the AZ Cardinals, and Tonya from the Cardinals and then the Redskins. Tonya wasn’t quite ready to hang up the boots. She’s currently a San Diego Charger Girl.) Both of them really missed participating in the the philanthropic activities they were involved with during their cheerleading days. They wanted to find a way to continue those efforts. They were particularly interested in supporting our military, so they put their heads together and created Sweethearts for Soldiers.


Tonya and Bari

Currently, there are about 20 Sweethearts. They visit military bases in the US, and every so often go on tour to visit bases abroad. Sometimes it’s a handshake tour, and sometimes they put together a variety show to entertain the troups. In addition to that, they produce an annual Sweetheart Calendar (non-swimsuit, for you modest types!). Proceeds from calendar sales go to various military-related charities.

You can read their newsletter to get an idea what else they’re up to.

Signing autographs

Showing their autographed Sweethearts calendars

If I understand the workings correctly, this isn’t a formal dance team, like the others we feature on this site. The Sweethearts don’t rehearse every week or perform regularly as one big group. I think what happens is when an event is scheduled or someone requests an appearance, then Bari and Tonya see who is available to participate.

It’s a good way to keep performing, but without the insane schedule of an NFL or NBA dance team. Personally, I think it’s a great idea, and certainly a great cause.

Right, so up until now, the Sweethearts were all former NFL Cheerleaders. Things have been going so well, Tonya and Bari are looking to expand. They are recruiting this month and the field is open to all former NBA and NFL dancers. Click here to read about the audition process.