CAF New Jersey Chapter Hosts Final “Let Your Heart Dance”
March 21, 2019 – The CAF New Jersey Chapter hosted their final “Let Your Heart Dance” on Saturday, February 16, 2019 at the Staten Island Hilton Garden Inn. After three decades of magical Valentine’s weekend dinners, the 31st Annual Let Your Heart Dance was filled with an abundance of love and memories to cherish for a lifetime.
This dinner-dance was launched 30 years ago by former CAF President Frank Somma and Deborah Somma. They wanted to host a special event to celebrate their daughter Alicia, who was at the time a baby just diagnosed with Cooley’s anemia. In the 30 years since then, this event has grown to over 400 attendees who share their hearts in celebration of life and love, all while raising funds to support thalassemia medical research.
Christine Horton, President of the CAF New Jersey Chapter, says “I want to thank my 30-year-old parents for starting it all. Pulling it together in the face of such adversity and creating something wonderful.” Christine stepped up to take on the role of Chapter President last year, carrying the torch after her father Frank’s phenomenal tenure.
“I also want to thank the Alessis for coming on board and carrying out Nicolas’ name in such a strong positive light,” continues Christine. “We are forever grateful for what this night was for our collective families. It meant so much to us all those years. We are having such a hard time letting go.”
CAF thanks everyone who has attended and supported this event over the past 30 years. You can view selected photos from the event in the gallery below. To see the full photo gallery, click here.
