The 2018 Cure SMA Concert for a Cure raised $210,000 on April 21, 2018. After combining many years of fundraising and hard work, the 18th Annual Concert for a Cure reached a very exciting milestone of $2 Million.
“We are still in awe of the dedication, support and commitment that our families have received. Our volunteers have made this possible and we can never repay the countless hours of work they have given. The relentless drive of the teens to improve the lives of their friends has humbled us all. When we began, we pledged that “together we will find a cure”. Today, to see SMA families be able to receive treatment and improve the health and quality of life both for those affected and their families makes it all worthwhile,” said Mary McHale.
Concert for a Cure was founded in 2001 by Joe and Mary McHale, parents of Danny, type I. Nancy and Andris Dindzans, parents of Ariana, type III, joined the McHale Family to create this very successful event in Northern California!
“It is hard to believe that what started from the outpouring of support 18 years ago has resulted in raising over 2 million dollars to bring a treatment and cure for our children and families affected by SMA. I never imagined we would reach 1 million, let alone 2 million dollars raised for Cure SMA,” said Nancy Dindzans.
Three-hundred-twenty guests gathered at Diablo Country Club and dressed to the theme ‘Aloha to the Cure’. Guests said ‘hello’ to a treatment for SMA, and ‘so long-see you later’ to Danny McHale and Ariana Dindzans, who graduated high school this past May. Guests enjoyed cocktails, a silent auction and Hawaiian style games on the terrace before heading to the ballroom for a live auction and presentations by the McHale Family, Barsotti Family, SMA Club at Monte Vista High School, and SMA research updates by Kenneth Hobby, Cure SMA President.
Cure SMA would like to say a special thank you to Mary, Joe, Danny, and Robby McHale; Nancy, Andris, and Ariana Dindzans; Cathy Barsotti-Dooling, Matt Dooling, Brittany Arana and Annie Dooling for their continued support and dedication to Concert for a Cure!
We would also like to thank all the generous sponsors who supported the event.