By June Mathews
For The Tribune
Motivated by the motto “Never too young to make a difference,” a dynamic group of youngsters has become the driving force behind the 2019 Dancers Against Cancer Trussville Gala, set to take place Feb. 16 at the Trussville Civic Center.
“We formed our Junior Board this year as a way for youth to take ownership and leadership in planning the Gala,” said organizer Emily Lombardo. “They are the voice of DAC Trussville.”
A family-friendly event in terms of pricing (each $25 ticket includes dinner) and entertainment, the Gala will feature dancers from Miss Kelley’s School of Dance and 5678 Dance and More, as well as the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Dance Team and the Hewitt-Trussville Highsteppers. Each dance will honor a loved one fighting cancer.
“These dancers are uniting by using their talents to raise money to make a difference,” said Lombardo. “The money they raise will go directly to help fund cancer research at UAB and to help those fighting cancer in financial need in the dancing community.”
As part of their commitment to the event, the Junior Board is currently soliciting donations for the live and silent auction at the event.
“Our fundraising basically comes from the auction, so the Junior Board is responsible for the biggest part of the money raised,” Lombardo said.
Major sponsors of the event are Agnew Jewelers; Benzaia Photography; Blue Cross Blue Shield AL; Dobbs & Atkins, DMD; Miss Kelley’s School of Dance; Monkey Business Boutique; Rape & Brooks Orthodontics; Sheepdog Firearms; Shelby Printing; Southeastern Refrigeration; and 5678 Dance and More. Other donors include B&B Enterprises, Interior Style LLC, and Two Boro Girls.
Tables for eight, including dinner, are $200 each; tables for eight, including dinner and priority seating, are $400 each. Business sponsorships will be recognized as table donors and on social media. Tickets are available at EventBrite.com
“Tickets sold out last year and raised $10,000, so we anticipate another sold-out event this year,” said Lombardo. “We wanted to keep the event a community local event, so we will not be able to expand ticket sales.”
For more information or to donate auction items to the Dancers Against Cancer Trussville Gala, email DancersAgainstCancer@yahoo.com or call (205) 422-0027.