DDPAC Dances for Diabetes

The Dance Dimensions Performing Arts Center (DDPAC) of Grand Terrace danced for a cause this weekend at the Rialto High School theater. Starting at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 31, the dancers from Grand Terrace put on a showcase to benefit the Inland Empire Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). One hundred percent of the proceeds went directly to the Inland Empire JDRF. With a small cost of ten dollars to enter, the theater filled up quickly. According to Dance Dimensions’ Office Manager Priscilla Gomez, who is the mother of DDPAC owner Cherie Gomez-Boucher, "They were all very excited that they got an opportunity to do this. They usually do some type of fundraiser or charity event each year, but this year it was all about diabetes." “This year is when we were able to put on a small show in order to raise money by selling tickets,” Gomez shared. The Rialto High School theater could hold 400 audience members. Saturday night, it got close to filling up. “It got pretty packed… it was a good turn out, overall,” she said. The team, which consists of 73 dancers varying in age between three and 19, performed multiple routines. Through the event the DDPAC were able to raise $2,500 for the Inland Empire JDRF. Gomez also mentioned that members of JDRF also attended and brought children that currently have diabetes. “They got on stage and talked briefly about diabetes just to inform everyone,” she said. “The night really was a success… the studio, it’s just very family and community-oriented,” Gomez added.