Pancreatic Cancer Fundraiser & "A night at the movies" Showcase
The momentum for the fundraiser began when David Potter, a dance instructor from Springfield, MA passed away this year with only eight weeks between the diagnosis and the day he had to say goodbye. This sudden passing was devastating for his sister, Marianne Nicole-DePalma, an internationally renowned coach. After learning of her loss, Peter Walker, Marianne’s long-time colleague and owner of Avalon, proposed that he dedicate Avalon’s fourth anniversary celebration as a fundraiser for pancreatic cancer program in honor of David. This event on September 28th and 29th garnered widespread attention and went on to raise over $10,000 for the Baystate Health Foundation.
At 28th, along with food, drinks, and socialization, Everyone was welcome to step onto the dance floor as the Brent Mills Live Band’s seamless stream of all types of dance tunes beckoned them over. The highlight of the night was a performance by Sophie D’Angelo, who had lost a close friend to pancreatic cancer, dedicated her dance to her friend and put all of her heart into her graceful performance.
Next day was Avalon Dance Studio’s Showcase, which included 20 performers, led by Peter, dancing to the theme “A Night at the Movies.” During the showcase, there were so many items that a second silent auction occurred. The spectacle filled the studio with ceaseless cheering, laughter and applause. Of the 20 performers, three received the David Potter Scholarship; grants made in late David Potter’s memory.
The event was a major success all around; a result befitting the massive amounts of love, effort and generosity shown by all participants.
On behalf of everyone here at Avalon Productions (Avalon Dance & Fitness), thank you for supporting the event.
Thank you for donation, performance, etc.
Sam Sodano
Irina Sarukhanyan
Nars
Sharon Spaulding
Shine on Salon
Danz Ann
Patrice Vinci Salon (Yasmin Tricomi)
Pro Nails Spa
Vive Hair Salon
Denise Hajjar Boston
Belmont Books
Craft Beer Cellar
CBE Couture
Peter Walker
Matt Ross
Elements Massage
Home Depot Watertown
Jayne's Flowers
Christopher Hawes
Marianne Nicole & John Depalma
Hair Studio - AMEL Salon
The Spirited Gourmet
Art's Specialties
KOKO Bakery
Shine on Salon
Comella's
Lisa Dubinsky
Boyko & Co
Ilia Kolosov
Pemberton Farms
Robert J T Rosendfeld / Sophia D'Angelo
Lois M Farrell
Jennie
Sarika Hudson
Nikolay Pillipenchuk
All of Avalon students
Participants who came to the event.