Sold Out Dancing for a Cause Raised Thousands for Charities

By Tiffany Ujiiye

With the "Dancing for a Cause" fundraiser Friday, the San Clemente Sunrise Rotary raised thousands for Laura's House, San Clemente High School Cheer team, San Clemente Kiwanis, San Clemente Sunrise Rotary Club and San Clemente Noon Rotary Club.

Dancers Ray Toal, Kathy Renard, Kristi McKinlay, Sandy Jacobson, and Alan Anderson performed and trained with professional dancers and choreographers to compete for the coveted “Top Dancer” trophy.

“We are so thankful and appreciative of everyone here,” Club President Helen Del Grosso said with a wink. “And where else can you dress up and go to a beautiful  fundraiser.” 

Last year, “Dancing for a Cause” raised roughly $50,000 total for the local charities and $20,000 for the Rotary Club. 

The evening’s competition was held at the historic Casino San Clemente. Guests were welcomed with live music from San Clemente High School’s “Triton Jazz Quartet” in the red-tiled courtyard with a view overlooking the sunset. 

Inside the venue, a live and silent auction took place, inviting guests to bid on  anything from a sailboat cruise for four to a one-week stay on the French Riviera.  Guests, Ming To and Don Sternger, have been members of the Rotary Club for six  years now and participated in the auction. 

“We love this event because of its charitable causes and how it supports the local  community,” Sternger smiled, “and we love to dance ourselves.”