Rockville Centre, N.Y. - Dance teams and cheerleading squads from eight institutions joined together on March 20 to perform in the East Coast Conference’s Spirit Showcase, an event that raised over $2,500 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

“During the basketball season, watching all the hard work that the cheerleading squads and dance teams put in, we thought it would be fun to give them an opportunity to perform in front of their friends and family outside their normal setting,” said ECC Commissioner Dr. Robert Dranoff.  “The idea really took off once we thought of the ECC Spirit Showcase and put it together with the ongoing commitment the East Coast Conference has to the Make-A-Wish foundation.”

Although focused on participation from member institutions, the East Coast Conference opened the showcase up to local Long Island squads.  Performers included cheerleading squads from Adelphi, Dowling, Molloy, NYIT, Nassau Community and Suffolk Community as well as dance teams from Dowling, Molloy and Queens.

Paul Rosario, a wish recipient and speaker for the Make-A-Wish Foundation, was on hand to kick-off the event that was held in Quealy Gymnasium on the Molloy College campus in Rockville Centre.  He told the crowd of over 250 spectators how his wish was granted and how much of an impact a wish makes on the life of a child.

"Being invited to speak on behalf of the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Metro New York at the ECC fundraiser was not only an honor but also an incredibly exciting and touching experience for me,” Rosario reflected.  “ As a former wish recipient, who knows first-hand about the lasting positive impact of a wish on a child diagnosed with a life-threatening illness, it was amazing to see so many people come together to raise funds to make more wishes like mine come true. On behalf of the Foundation and wish children like myself, a heartfelt 'thank you' to all who participated and supported the event."

Through ticket sales, raffles and concessions, the East Coast Conference surpassed their goal of $2,000 to donate to the Foundation.

“We really want to thank Molloy College for hosting this and thanks also to the young women and coaches who participated,” Dranoff said.   “The ability for us to help support an outstanding cause made it a great day all around.  We are looking to making this an annual event.”