Black tie event brings fun and funds

A different kind of fundraising event was held in Akwesasne last Thursday evening for a notable, familiar cause: Diabetes.

A black tie dinner and “Dancing through the Years” entertainment event brought in nearly 300 people, all dressed in their best and ready for a great meal and great night of dancing.

The event was a celebration of the Akwesasne Housing Authority’s 25th Anniversary and they in turn decided to have their anniversary celebration be a fundraiser for the Let’s Get Healthy Program’s plan to build a diabetes center.

The dinner and dance shoe was held at Jacobs Manufacturing and their warehouse was transformed into an elegant ball room with a spacious wooden dance floor. Following a meal served by the Brass Horse, a number of individuals gave speeches about the event, the diabetes center, the Let’s Get Healthy Program and a few community members also told the audience about their experience with Type 2 diabetes. Brian Garrow told the audience that after having gastric bypass surgery he has lost a great deal of weight and is no longer diabetic.

During the speeches the St. Regis Mohawk Tribe donated $30,000, and the AHA announced that as a result of stimulus grant they’ve been promised, they are able to donate an outstanding $1 million to the diabetes center.

After the formal speeches, the dancing got underway. The performances provided a glance through the decades and performers came from dance schools in Massena, Akwesasne, and Cornwall. Well-known dancer Magoo Cook imitated Michael Jackson, TJ Jackson imitated Elvis Presley and other performers danced ballroom dances, hip hop and tap.

The evening was topped off with a performance by Souled and guests were finally able to get up and show off their own dance moves.

Raffles and auctions were held throughout the event to raise additional money for the diabetes center. As of Wednesday, final numbers on the night’s success were unavailable.