Kids dance for youths with cancer at weekend benefit
Dozens of local children danced, flipped and somersaulted for hours Saturday to raise funds for kids with cancer and blood disorders.
The “Dance Off” was held at Good Shepherd School in North Fort Myers, sponsored by Cape Coral’s Dance Dimensions. The event benefits Candlelighters of Southwest Florida.
“The kids weren’t judged as being the best dancer. They were judged on character,” said organizer and school mom Kellie McIntosh.
Malia Johansen was the dance instructor who led the talented children through dances to songs including “The Cha Cha Slide,” “The Cuban Shuffle” and even “The Chicken Dance.”
The winners were Nicolle Connelly, Alexys McIntosh and Sam Pucin, for first, second and third place, respectively.
Local “celebrity” judges just like in the TV shows included Lana Walsh, owner of Profiles Salon; North Fort Myers Honorary Mayor Deputy Jarrod Cantrel; Danielle Varradoe from A-1 Trophies; Kathy Scott from Good Shepherd School; Kathy Kuser from Family News and Mary Ann Connolly, a 9-year-old who judged from a kid’s point of view.
“They were awesome,” said Connolly, who delighted in all the dance, music and theatrics.
“The kids here had too much fun,” added Cantrell. “I wish we could bottle their energy and take it with us.”
Candlelighters is an independent self-supporting nonprofit charity serving all community children who have cancer or blood disorders. The organization has operated in Florida since 1983.
Candelighters services include support group meetings, teen groups, educational workshops, newsletter subscription, parent directory, lending library, family activities, annual events, emergency funds as well as referrals to any community or social service organizations. The organization relies on the support of caring community citizens, businesses, civic organizations and various foundations to provide funding for services to children with cancer or blood disorders.
All services are cost free to registered members of Candlelighters.
“We are totally funded by donations and grants,” said Candlelighters president and Cape Coral resident Janet Santiago. “Events like this are important, not only for funds but for awareness.”
Her 12-year-old daughter Paige has a blood disorder.
For more information on Candlelighters, call 432-2223.