Gateway Acting School, Stage Door School of Dance & Sunrise Toyota Raise Over $20,000 to Aid Local Family's Battle With Cancer

Over $20,000 was raised to support the Cordaro family of Ridge at the sold-out benefit, "A Night of Song and Dance," held at Bellport's Gateway Playhouse on the evening of April 28.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will assist the family of Debra and Joseph Cordaro of Ridge, NY. Debra, a mother of three, has been fighting a three-year, ongoing battle with cancer and is in need of very expensive medical treatments. Joseph, her husband, teaches middle school band and jazz studies in the William Floyd School District.

The sold-out benefit featured ballet, tap, jazz and hip-hop routines by students from the Stage Door School of Dance, accompanied by inspirational songs presented by students and alumns from the Gateway Acting School. Nearly 150 students from both schools performed on the Gateway stage.

Program highlights include song and dance solos by 11-year-old Alison Cordaro, the daughter of Debra and Joseph Cordaro, including a solo rendition of "What I Did For Love." Alison is a longtime student at the Gateway Acting School and the Stage Door School of Dance, and recently starred in the Gateway's 2012 production of "Irving Berlin's White Christmas" at the Patchogue Theatre for the Performing Arts.

Before the show, representatives from Sunrise Toyota were on hand to present a check to the Cordaro family. The Oakdale-based dealership raised over $1000 from all new and used car sales during the week of March 24-30. Sunrise Toyota previously loaned a fuel-efficient, 2013 Toyota Sienna minivan to the Cordaros, enabling the family of five to enjoy a week-long "Sunrise Voyage" to a Florida timeshare, after their personal vehicle experienced mechanical issues.

Benefit attendees enjoyed a pre-show buffet provided by Executive Chef John Veith of America's Way Catering. Guests also participated in both Chinese and silent auctions, with prizes including Yankees tickets, Chelsea Piers passports and signed Broadway memorabilia.

To make an additional gift to help the Cordaro family, please contact Scot Allan at (631) 286-7027.

The Performing Arts Center of Suffolk County is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It seeks to provide theatre of the highest caliber to the Long Island region and beyond, continuing the tradition established by the Gateway Playhouse. It remains Long Island's oldest professional theatre.

For tickets, performance times or other inquiries call (631) 286-1133 or 1-888-4TIXNOW, or visit www.pacsc.org.