Leadership is organizing a districtwide, ‘Danceathon’ fundraiser  that will take place on Saturday at the Cal-High event center. All proceeds from the dance will be donated in full to the UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (UCSF CHO).

The event was thought of and planned by junior Drew Mccarthy who was inspired by lifelong neighbor Arlie Smith. Smith is a 1988 Cal High alumnus who you may recognize from his shifts at the Danville Costco. Smith is living with terminal bone cancer and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and has set a goal for himself to fulfill before his passing.

“His wish is to be the largest donor to UCSF CHO, and we’re just trying to make his dream come true,” said leadership adviser Jenna Ray.

In order to participate in the District Danceathon, students must go to donorschoose.org and set up an account, then set a goal for how much money they aim to raise. Once this is done, all that is left to do is show up, and dance.

Prior to the dance, an opening ceremony will be held and is open for the community to attend. It lasts from 6-7 p.m. and will include a silent auction, food trucks, sponsor recognition, UCSF CHO awareness, and some patients even visit from the hospital.

The dance itself will begin at 7 p.m. and it ends at 10 p.m. with a $10 admission fee. There will be games and activities such as dance lessons and a neon/rave theme with an abundance of high-energy and glow sticks.

Smith has already raised over $100,000 for the UCSF Benioff CHO. The goal of the District Danceathon is to raise the maximum amount of money possible to donate to the hospital. This means that all the money raised during the event including, but not limited to the auction, refreshments, and admission fees, will also be counted in the donations.

In addition, to increase the amount of money being brought in, Cal High has invited all the other high schools in SRVUSD to participate in the Danceathon, including Dougherty Valley, San Ramon, and Monte Vista. This friendly competition will drastically increase the impact of Smith’s donation and bring the schools together for a good cause.           

When asked what it was about Smith that inspired Mccarthy to set up the event, he responded, “Even though he knows he’s going to die, he still lives life normally and has lots of fun.”

It is this optimistic attitude that has Smith determined to make his donation and that has rubbed off on those around him.