Singers and dancers of all ages, levels and styles will perform in Port Moody on Saturday at a gala fundraiser to build awareness of the abuse, exploration and trafficking of girls and young women around the world.
The evening is being organized by Judy Bemister, Nadine Rowat and Sheila Alwell of Dancing 4 a Change, a non-profit group launched last year that has collected some $3,000 to date for victims' care and education.
Alwell told The Tri-City News that 85% of the money brought in from the event will go to Women of Value, a program run through the Servants Anonymous Society that assists girls and women aged 16 to 29 who have fled sexual exploitation or at risk of being sexually abused; the program helps them find homes and skills.
"We feel that our gala fundraiser will engage the community of the Tri-Cities to raise awareness about the atrocities of this horrific abuse," Alwell told The News. "Each person buying a ticket to our gala will be given a gift of hope to the many women and young girls on their journey to a safer - and more - positive life."
More than 100 volunteers are lending a hand for Saturday's gala, which starts at 6 p.m. in the Inlet Theatre.
Among the performers, who are also offering their time for free, are: students from the Pulse Dance and Broadway Bound studios; Port Moody's Tyson Venegas, who won last summer's PNE Star Showdown; singers Antonio Larosa and Linnea Holm; FRESHH - Hip Hop Crew, the runners-up in Canada's Got Talent; students with TapCo and the Hot Flash Hoofers; and students from the Arts Umbrella Dance Company.
As well, there will be dances from Regan Calicetto, Alyssa Reese, Christie Lee Manning, Heather Dotto, Karen Kobel and Justine Gera plus a reading of hope from writer/coach Carol Metz Murray of Tri-City Transitions.
Tickets are $35 through the Port Moody Arts Centre (2425 St. John's St.) by calling 604-931-2008 or at the door for $45. Seating is reserved. For more information, visit dancing4achange.org.
