Redboy Dancing
“If we think real hard, we all know someone with cancer…It touches all of us.”
ASGWC Public Relations Officer and Event Chair, Paul Chalfant said it best, when explaining why Associated Students of Golden West College chose to host, “A Night at the Arts,” a charity concert and silent auction held April 9, to benefit the Children’s Cancer Research Fund and their extensive work with children who suffer from pediatric cancers.
Generously filled themed baskets were donated for a silent auction by the Associated Students of Golden West College and local companies, such as the Andaluz Bakery and Restaurant, Best Buy, and See’s Candies.
Miyo Yogurt and Café, located at Springdale Street and Edinger Avenue, donated the food for the evening. Patrons enjoyed their grilled ham, roast beef, and vegetarian panini sandwiches and fresh vegetables, teamed with an assortment of frozen yogurt and cookies.
The Jim Fisk Jazztet, led by GWC alumnus, Jim Fisk, started the evening with a live performance. Alternating between performances and guest speakers, there were presentations by Native American troupe, Redboy; GWC soloist Hillary Villaire; and several shows from various alumni bands all of whom donated their time and talent.
Guest speakers shared their knowledge of cancer and spoke about its many different effects on children and their families, along with the importance involved in research.
Dr. Clarke Anderson, pediatric neuro-oncology specialist at the City of Hope, spoke about the importance of providing medical, as well as compassionate, care for the little ones and their families as they face what will most likely be the most frightening and painful experiences in their lives, both during and after illness, no matter the outcome.
Dora Jalcido, who was awarded “Local Hero of the Year” is executive director of Children Today. An organization that endeavors to increase the safety, stability, and confidence of children facing homelessness.
Dora spoke about the parallels she found in the difficulties of homeless children and how the same principles of security can be applied to helping children and their families psychologically deal with the fear involved in the fight against cancer.
Cancer survivor Jonathan Fisk, who is brother to Paul Chaflant, the Master of Ceremonies, was the special speaker of the evening. In 2007 at the age of 13, he was diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Now 16 and in remission, he spoke eloquently about his experience and the dedication of his brother Paul, who quit school and work to care for him full time. He also talked about the kids who had battled cancer with him, some who made it and some who unfortunately did not. “I know I’m really lucky to have survived.”
The Children’s Cancer Research Fund (CCRF) was founded in 1987 by Matti Contopulos, who devised and implemented art and activity programs specifically for oncology patients. It is a non- profit organization dedicated to providing national support for clinical research in pediatric cancer, while improving the medical environment for all children.
All $1,600 of proceeds raised by the event went to the foundation. You can donate or learn more about the foundation by visiting: www.ccrf-kids.org
– Stacha Khatib
