The Walter Jenkins Hardship Assistance Foundation carries on his spirit of generosity and love for those in the dancing community.
A LEGACY OF CARING. A COMMUNITY OF SUPPORT.
Helping People
Through Hard Times.
Honoring a Legacy
of Helping Others.
Sometimes a helping hand at the right moment can make all the difference. Together, we carry that spirit forward in Walter Jenkins’ name.
Rooted in community. Guided by compassion.
COMPASSION IN ACTIONEveryone deserves a helping hand.COMMUNITY AT HEART
01 / OUR MISSION
A helping hand.
When it matters most.
Hard times can happen to anyone. No one should feel forgotten when they do.
The Walter Jenkins Hardship Assistance Foundation exists to provide financial assistance to individuals who have fallen on hard times. With strong roots in the dance community, primarily in the upper Midwest, our mission is grounded in people showing up for one another.
Each request is considered individually by the Board. Assistance amounts are determined by the Board based on the applicant’s circumstances and the Foundation’s available resources.
Learn how to request help →
02 / ABOUT WALTER
More than a name.
A legacy of caring.
Walter Henry Jenkins
January 12, 1944 — March 7, 2026
Walter Henry Jenkins was born in Conway, Arkansas, and passed away peacefully on March 7, 2026. His life was marked by dedication to his work, loyalty to the people he loved, and a deep connection to community.
During his 30-year career as a millwright and international union representative at General Motors, Walter was known for his commitment, integrity, and strong work ethic. Many of the colleagues who respected and admired him became lifelong friends.
Read Walter’s story
Walter embraced life with enthusiasm. He loved traveling, horse racing, golf, and sports, and he was an avid fan of Ohio State football and the Kansas City Chiefs.
Later in life, he discovered one of his greatest passions: ballroom dancing. Well known and deeply loved throughout Detroit’s ballroom and stepping community, Walter began his dancing journey with the Big Hat Gentlemen. He later joined two of his closest friends in creating Midwest Affair.
Walter was proud to promote, host, and attend events across the United States. He treasured the time he shared with his dancing family and community. His stories, wisdom, and steady presence brought comfort, laughter, and guidance to those who knew him.
He will be remembered for his generosity, wisdom, and unwavering loyalty. His legacy of strength, love, dedication, and community lives on in the hearts of those who had the privilege of knowing him.
CARRYING HIS SPIRIT FORWARD
03 / REQUEST ASSISTANCE
You don’t have to
face every hardship
alone.
If you’re experiencing financial hardship, you can request consideration for assistance.
- Tell us what you’re facing.Share your circumstances and the help you need.
- The Board considers your request.Requests and assistance amounts are reviewed individually.
- Assistance depends on available resources.Applying does not guarantee assistance.
Loading assistance application…
A LITTLE CLARITY, BEFORE YOU APPLY
Questions about
getting help?
What kind of help can I request?
The Foundation’s mission is to provide financial assistance to individuals who have fallen on hard times. Describe your circumstances, the type of help needed, and the amount requested so the Board can consider your situation individually.
Is there a fixed assistance amount?
No fixed award amount is stated. The Board determines assistance amounts individually, considering each request and available Foundation resources.
Does applying guarantee assistance?
No. Submitting a request does not guarantee assistance. Each request is considered by the Board and depends on available resources.
Do I need to be part of the dance community?
The Foundation has strong roots in the dance community, primarily in the upper Midwest. Detailed eligibility criteria are awaiting confirmation by the Board; no dance-community membership requirement is stated here.
How do I submit my request?
Complete the Request Assistance form, add relevant supporting documents, and provide consent for Board review. You can review your information before submitting. A confirmation appears once Wix receives your request. Applying does not guarantee assistance.
04 / DONATE & SUPPORT
Help us
help others.
Your support can help carry this mission forward—through contributions, community connections, and showing up for one another.
The Foundation has submitted Form 1023-EZ. IRS determination is pending. We are not representing donations as tax deductible.
MANY WAYS TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Be part of the caring.
01
Contribute
Online giving options are being prepared. No donation payments are collected on this website yet.
02
Connect with us →Bring people together
Connect with the Foundation about community gatherings and future fundraising opportunities.
05 / EVENTS & COMMUNITY
Connected by dance.
United by compassion.
Our roots in the dance community remind us of the power of connection. That sense of belonging is at the heart of our mission, primarily in the upper Midwest.
Good things bring people together.
Foundation events, dances, and community gatherings will appear here as details are confirmed.
06 / CONTACT
Let’s keep
the connection going.
For questions about supporting the mission, community events, or the Foundation.
Use this form to send the Foundation a general message. Do not include sensitive financial or medical documents. For financial assistance, please use the Request Assistance form so your information reaches the Board for review.
Go to Request Assistance →Loading contact form…