Dance gala to raise funds for cancer research

Dancers across Trussville will gather together for a night of performances to help raise awareness and funds for cancer research during the city’s inaugural Dancers Against Cancer Gala at Trussville Civic Center on Saturday, Feb. 24.

The family-friendly event will include a dinner, silent auction and performances from Miss Kelley’s School of Dance, the Hewitt-Trussville Middle School Dance Line and Hewitt-Trussville High School High Steppers. It grew from a desire of three little girls to fight back against cancer after it hit their family. Admission to the event is $25 with proceeds going to UAB Neuro-Oncology and Dancers Against Cancer, an organization created to support for dance instructors, dancers and parents with cancer.

“It’s all about teaching the kids to give back and using their passion for something good,” said Emily Lombardo, mother of the event organizers. “We’re passionate about dance and passionate about fighting cancer as a cause.”

Organizers Sara Kate (12), Emma (10) and Caroline Lombardo (8) are all members of Miss Kelley’s School of Dance. In June 2016, their father Michael was diagnosed with brain cancer and treated at UAB. While attending a Kids Artistic Review national dance competition last spring, the girls first heard of Dancers Against Cancer’s campaign and took it to heart. 

Now they are taking their fight community wide.

Over the past year, the girls have partnered with their parents, Emily and Michael, and Miss Kelley’s School of Dance to sell T-shirts to raise funds for DAC and plan the gala. 

“There are so many children and adults in our community that are affected by cancer. We are hoping that this gala will bring awareness and will be meaningful to lots of people,” Michael Lombardo said. “I am proud to be part of such an event and proud of my girls for taking a stand against cancer. We have been humbled by the amount of support we received in this community and are hoping to touch others in return.”

The Lombardo sisters will serve as emcees for the gala, along with 2013 Miss Alabama Chandler Champion. At least 16 dance numbers will be performed, which will be dedicated to an honoree and will include at least one dancer who has personally been affected by cancer through a family member or close friend.

Silent auction items include items, services, baked goods and gift cards from dozens of restaurants and businesses around the Trussville community. The family meal menu for the night will feature chicken fingers, mac & cheese, green beans, rolls and brownies.

For more information, or to purchase gala tickets, email dancersagainstcancer@yahoo.com or call 422-0027. Updates will also be available on Facebook and Instagram from Dancers Against Cancer Trussville, AL.