On Jan. 30, Fordham Dance Marathon (FDM) hosted a promotional dinner in McGinley North Dining room. Guests were asked to send emails asking friends, family and others to donate to the B+ Foundation to help families and children who have been affected by pediatric cancer. In exchange, they received a free dinner catered by restaurants on Arthur Avenue such as Enzo’s and Pasquale’s. Operations Director Theresa Amoruso, said the restaurants also donated to the larger cause.
“I just want kind of tell you guys how much it means to me that you guys are all here for the promo dinner,” said co-director Matt Fisher, FCRH ’21. “You guys are collectively helping us for an amazing cause, to help fight pediatric cancer for our B+ heroes, who we all know and love and we’re all so dedicated to helping.”
The location played a big part in the success of this year’s promo dinner, according to Amoruso. She said there was more space for tables and seats in North Dining than McGinley Ballroom, plus more performers. This year’s entertainment included Expressions Dance Alliance and the B-Sides, among others.
“I’m really glad I heard about FDM through RHA,” said Julie Connelly, FCRH ’23. “I had a lot of fun at the dinner, and I’m really excited to participate in all the other events this year.”
Amoruso explained that she got involved with FDM freshman year through her roommates and helped to fundraise. In her sophomore and junior year, Amoruso said she worked on the annual auction, and senior year, she became the Operations Director.
“I joined FDM because members of my family have been affected by cancer,” said Amoruso. “It’s incredibly upsetting when an adult passes away from cancer, but it is even more heartbreaking when a child gets cancer because they’re supposed to have their whole lives ahead of them.”
She said she plans on going to graduate school for social work and working with children who have cancer.
Collette Cambell, FCRH ’22, the co-director of FDM, said she was pleased with how the event went.
“The FDM promo dinner was incredibly successful,” she said. “We had multiple student groups come and perform, and the environment involving everyone who attended was great.”
Jacklyn Onody, GSB ’20, the auction and fundraising director of FDM, agreed with her sentiments.
“We had a great turn out, and we were happy to see everyone having fun, while supporting FDM,” she said.
She said the event helps spread FDM’s message.
“The promo dinner is important because it helps spread the word of FDM and what it is that we do as an organization,” she said.
Those who want to get involved can also do so through signing up for the email list on the FDM website to get notified about fundraisers and events. People are able to donate directly through the website. Currently, there is an Insomnia Cookies fundraiser on the Fordham Dance Marathon Facebook page that people can donate to.
The next fundraiser for FDM will be an auction on Wednesday, Feb. 12. Baskets will be raffled off, and other prizes will be auctioned off through a live auction. The FDM Team encourages people who are not currently involved with Fordham Dance Marathon or RHA to come to their events to support a great cause, said Amoruso.
FDM is an annual event that helps to raise money for the B+ Foundation. This year FDM will be held on March 7 in Lombardi Fieldhouse.
The B+ Foundation is an organization founded by Joe McDonough in 2007 to honor his son, Andrew, who passed away from AML Leukemia at age 14. The B+ Foundation reflects not only Andrew’s blood type, but his attitude towards life, always staying positive.
The B+ Foundation uses donations to help families who have a child suffering from pediatric cancer. The children, or heroes, who the foundation works closely with, come to Fordham Dance Marathon sponsored events, such as Trick-or-Treat Trot in October and, of course, Fordham Dance Marathon itself.
“You would never know that any of these kids had cancer,” said Amoruso. “They’re just normal kids who want to play.”
