The Bayside-based nonprofit Dancing Dreams held its second annual Dance-a-Thon featuring more than 100 kids with special needs who showed off their moves Aug. 2 at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center.
In addition to a dance space, the Dance-a-Thon had several other features available for those in attendance, including a photo booth, face painting, a hot dog and drink stand, raffles, a sweets stand and more. Additionally, Miko Kaw Hok Uy from the popular Netflix game show “Is it Cake?” made an appearance, bringing with him a cake made to look like a tutu.
According to many of the parents and supervisors of the kids who attended the Dance-a-Thon, the event presented a great opportunity for the kids to go out, have fun and dance their stress away.
“This event is very good for my son’s health, body and independence,” Monica Molestina said. “My son was diagnosed with autism and ADHD, but this event is relaxing for him.”
Several patients from St. Mary’s Hospital for Children also attended the event. According to a representative from St. Mary’s who attended Dancing Dreams’ Dance-a-Thon, St. Mary’s tries to get their kids to participate in as many events within the community as they can.
“Dancing Dreams is a very wonderful organization,” a St. Mary’s representative told QNS. “We very much appreciate the work they have done for our kids at St. Mary’s.”
“Two years ago, my [twin] daughters were diagnosed with autism,” Natasha Scott said. “I happened to just come across Dancing Dreams [online] and they accepted my daughters. They understood how to deal with them. They have therapists that work with the kids. I just felt comfortable that my kids were not going to be looked at as different. Inclusivity is what’s most important to me and that’s what I get here.”
Also on hand at the Dance-a-Thon were Assembly member Ed Braunstein and Cord Meyer Development Company Vice President Controller Joe Forgione. Along with Dancing Dreams founder Joann Ferrara, they each spoke about the importance of an event like this for the community.
“It’s an honor and a privilege to support Dancing Dreams,” Braunstein said. “It’s been over a decade now. My mother and I always go to their shows. Dancing Dreams just keeps getting bigger.”
Ferrara thanked Forgione and Cord Meyer Development for providing Dancing Dreams with theater space at the Bay Terrace Shopping Center, as well as for helping to arrange this event on the lot of the shopping center.
“Cord Meyer Development has been a part of Bayside for a long time,” Forgione said. “This property that we’re standing on started out as a family farm. Over the past 60 years, it has developed into the shopping center you see today. I appreciate you all coming down. You’re all part of the community and this shopping center is the center of that community.”
