Huntington HS Talent Show To Benefit LI Cancer Charity

HUNTINGTON, NY — The Huntington High School Key Club's 13th annual K-Factor Talent Show will benefit Rachel's Dance for the Cure, a pediatric cancer charity, according to a news release.

The show is scheduled for 7 p.m. May 17 in the auditorium of Huntington High School. Tickets are $10 at the door. Proceeds will benefit families who have a child facing a cancer diagnosis at Stony Brook University Hospital.

The K-Factor Talent Show began 13 years ago when a former student, Kaila Harlan (class of 2009) was diagnosed with leukemia and needed help with the cost of surgery. Key Club, along with the help of students, staff, and local Huntington residents, rallied for Harlan's cause and raised almost $10K for her procedure. The show was named after her and soon became a Huntington High School tradition.

Harlan died two years later, but the show has continued in her memory. All proceeds were given to Relay For Life.

In 2016, English teacher Aimee Antorino's 12-year-old daughter, Rachel Antorino, was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia. Rachel was a student at Commack Middle School when she was diagnosed. For two years, the K-Factor talent show ran to support Rachel through her treatment. Rachel died in 2018.

After the loss of Rachel, the Antorino family launched Rachel's Dance for the Cure.

Click here to read a Q&A with Rachel's Dance for the Cure.

Now, the talent show donates money to families at Stony Brook University Hospital who are trying to pay for treatments for their children while juggling the cost of everyday expenses. Rachel began her treatment there.

Antorino said she is "extremely excited" for the K-Factor show.

"This show is so meaningful to me — it’s an amazing community effort as we raise money for pediatric cancer while watching talented students dance and sing on stage," Antorino told Patch.

The proceeds go to Stony Brook Children’s Pediatric Oncology department because that’s where Rachel began her treatment and received excellent care, Antorino said.

"Every penny we make for the show goes to these children and their families in need," the organizers wrote. "This year we have many talented vocalists, dynamic dance performances, and comedy skits to entertain the crowd. It's truly wonderful to see the students and staff use their talents to help raise awareness for this beautiful cause. The show continues to impress and wow all who attend."