Disco Dancing Their Way to a Cure: Friends Helping Sick Kids Lights Up Vaughan for Childhood Leukemia Research

In a packed Vaughan event space last Saturday, the dance floor didn’t just pulse with beats — it throbbed with purpose. For the 24th annual Saturday Night Fever disco-night hosted by Friends Helping Sick Kids, the music, lights and community presence turned into a powerful fundraiser for childhood leukemia research at Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

Founded in Vaughan, Friends Helping Sick Kids is a grassroots non-profit committed to raising funds and awareness for childhood leukemia. All proceeds are donated to the Hematology/Oncology department at the Hospital for Sick Children. Friends Helping Sick Kids

A Night of Fun… and Serious Impact

From the moment the first disco beat dropped, the crowd was ready not just to dance, but to contribute. The event featured a reception, antipasto bar, full dinner, silent auction, and of course, a disco-themed dance floor where guests came dressed in flared pants, sequins and attitude. The unmistakable message: fundraising doesn’t have to be stuffy — it can be sensational.

Sponsors at different levels (Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze) helped make it possible, offering everything from 20-ticket tables and full-screen logo rotations to more modest “Friends Wall” recognitions.

Why This Night Matters

Because behind the lights and music is a cause that demands attention. Childhood leukemia remains one of the most urgent battles in pediatric medicine. The funds raised that night go directly into research, treatments, and hope for kids who deserve nothing less.

For one mother on the committee, Martina Damiano, her personal story drives her mission: as the mother of a young cancer survivor, her wish is to make research more effective and ensure children and their families receive the highest quality of care available worldwide.

Community Comes First

More than just raising money, FHSK’s event brings together families, friends, volunteers and local businesses in one unified goal: ending childhood cancer. It gives people a way to see their support in action — dancing, signing up as sponsors, volunteering, sharing stories.

Committee member Clare D’Onofrio puts it simply: she is honoured and humbled to help raise money for such a worthy cause and proud to stand with a team so dedicated to supporting leukemia research.

What’s Next?

The journey doesn’t end when the lights go out. Organizers are already planning the next event, exploring new fundraising strategies and expanding outreach. Volunteers and sponsors are always welcome. As the founder(s) of FHSK often say: every contribution, every donation, every ticket counts.

Interested in joining the next dance for a cure? Whether you want to purchase individual tickets, become a sponsor or volunteer your time, your involvement can make real change.

Final Thought

When the music played, the community danced. But more importantly, they gave. In the fight against childhood leukemia, it isn’t just about the funds — it’s about the collective hope, the shared compassion, and the unwavering belief that together we can end this disease.