As dancers packed the studios at in honor of his late wife and daughter, Bob Donohue couldn't help but think of his little girl.
"I remember seeing my daughter dance," he said. "It's very emotional."
More than 70 youngsters, from 3-year-olds to teenagers, attended the Sunday. The annual fundraiser grows in activity and attendance every year, Seven Star co-owner Donna Aravena told Patch, but the goal remains the same — to honor the memory of Kayla and Lori Donohue.
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The mother and daughter were struck and killed in the school's parking lot on June 8, 2009, by a drunk driver.
Organizers said the event is designed not only to pay tribute to Kayla and Lori, but also to educate students about drunken driving. Participants collect pledges and funds raised goes to the Putnam County chapter of Mothers Against Drunk Driving [MADD].
"I think this is a great event," Bob Donohue told Patch, adding that he attends every year. "Hopefully it gets the awareness out there."
This weekend's fundraiser included dance, a parent discussion on dealing with tough issues, and a presentation by a Mahopac woman who was charged with driving while intoxicated in July of 2009.
Her 15-year-old daughter, who called 911 from the car after noticing her mother's state, was also in attendance.
"911 is the best phone number you'll ever remember," Susan Sunshine told a group of more than 20 girls. They sat silently and nodded along throughout the presentation.
"No matter what's happening, no matter who you're with — you're with your parents, you're with your aunts, you're with your uncles, you're with your friend's parents, maybe it's an older brother or sister of one of your friends. When you sense that something is not right, you take out that phone, dial 911 and get some help."
Check out the video at right for more on the event.
