Canton dancer presents charity gala

On Saturday, January 19, at Lantana in Randolph, the Fortitude Dance Project presents the Winter Wonderland Charity Gala to benefit mental health and wellness for young people. The founder is lifelong Canton resident Bettina Mahoney, who has been dancing since age 5.

Bettina Mahoney

Born with a not insignificant learning disability and epilepsy, everything was harder for Mahoney — everything except dance. She credits learning dance movements and counting music with helping her learn in school. “I received so much help over my life from family and teachers, beginning with Miss Evie and my late grandmother Betty Gorman at the Blue Hills Montessori when I was 4,” she said. “Mrs. Killion at the Galvin was a huge help to me in eighth grade. I will help others from what I was taught.”

She received a performing arts scholarship to Dean College in Franklin, which has a nationally ranked dance program, and there she pursued a double major in dance and psychology. She graduates in May.

“I am a former shy little girl whose academic and dance teachers taught me to never give up,” Mahoney said. “Young people need to be taught they are not alone; there is help. Too many are suffering and need our support.”

“More teenagers and young adults die from suicide than from cancer, heart disease, AIDS, birth defects, stroke, pneumonia, influenza, and chronic lung disease combined,” added Mahoney, who wants to change that.

This past summer, the Fortitude Dance Project ran a successful dance intensive in Cambridge for girls and young women who suffer from lack of self esteem or depression. “Dance empowers young women to become more confident and strong,” Mahoney said.

The fundraiser’s guest speaker is Brooke Siem, a speaker, author, former restaurant owner, chef (Food Network Chopped champion), and advocate for the mental health of young people. “We expect 230 guests,” said Mahoney. “There will be dance performances and a silent auction. We continue to raise donations and auction items.”

Tickets to the gala can be purchased at www.fortitudedanceproject.com. For more information, call 781-363-0990. Those who cannot make the event but would still like to donate can send a check to Fortitude Dance Project, P.O. Box 656, Canton, MA 02021.

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Posted by Guest on Jan 4 2019. Filed under News. Both comments and pings are currently closed.