On March 2, nearly 400 people packed Port Washington’s Landmark Theater to attend a benefit performance hosted by the local dance studio Dance Arts Centre in support of local nonprofit Believe in a Cure , which works to develop a treatment for the rare brain disorder FOXG1 syndrome, raising tens of thousands of dollars.
DAC owner Chelsea Farley organized the event. “We call ourselves the ‘DAC Family,’ and my idea of family refers to the people who lift you up when you’re down and have your back through all of life’s twists and turns.”
Emelia Reich is a first grader at South Salem Elementary School who dances at DAC. Her brother, Eli, suffers from FOXG1 syndrome, and Farley wanted to help raise funds for BIAC, the nonprofit founded by Port Washington parents, Ilissa and Scott Reich.
“We’ve created that special DAC family bond with the Reich family over the past few years, so when I heard about Eli and the family’s story, I knew I wanted to help because that’s just what family does!”
The event featured performances from seven different dance troupes within the DAC family, as well as an adult fashion show with clothing made available by Port Washington brands Lexie and Change of Scenery.
Emelia welcomed guests to big applause, noting: “My little brother, Dylan, and I think that Eli is very special, and we hope you do, too.”
Ilissa Reich added, “Chelsea’s huge heart and generous sense of compassion are why we’re here tonight. Chelsea, this town is so lucky to have you.”
Scott Reich said he couldn’t help but think that Port Washington should rebrand itself as “The Town That Loves You Back.” “That’s how we feel,” Scott said, in recognition of how the town has rallied behind their family. “We really love you, and we’re so grateful for your support. “There’s just a beautiful pay-it-forward feeling here, it’s truly unique.”
“The most important thing we can do in this life,” said Chelsea, “is spread kindness and help others, and I am proud to be a part of a community that comes together to do just that!”
About Believe in a Cure
Believe in a Cure is a Port Washington-based 501(c)(3) non-profit organization seeking to find and fund a cure for FOXG1 Syndrome. FOXG1 Syndrome is a rare brain disorder causing severe cognitive impairment. Most patients are unable to walk, talk, feed themselves or do anything independently while suffering dangerous seizures and a host of other medical maladies. There are approximately 1,000 known cases worldwide. Founded by Ilissa and Scott Reich in the wake of their son Eli’s diagnosis, the foundation funds drug development and provides financial support to impacted families. For more information, visit www.webelieveinacure.org.
About Dance Arts Centre
Dance Arts Centre has been located in Port Washington since 1972 and in its current location on Port Washington Boulevard since 1988. The studio’s goal is to enrich its students’ lives through dance and movement and to inspire a love of dancing, offering a multitude of different classes from hip hop and jazz to ballet and much more. For more information, visit https://www.thedanceartscentre.com.
