MOUNT CARMEL - This year's Juvenile Diabetes Dance for a Cure was bittersweet for Melissa Morales, who coordinated the event. The event ran from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday on Oak Street between Fifth and Sixth streets, and was successful in raising money for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, but it was the first event held without her mother, Jane Vincenzes.
"I know that this is what she would have wanted, to follow in her footsteps," said Morales.
Vincenzes owned Motivation Station, a business that allows young and old to express themselves through dance, combining music and fitness. Vincenzes, who sponsored the annual Dance for a Cure for the last four years, died from cancer in December.
"People are here to support a good cause and to remember a great community leader as well," said Morales, who has taken over her mother's business. "She meant a lot to many people."
This year's event included food, games, free entertainment, including a demonstration by Shamokin Aikido and pony rides, and free sugar and blood pressure testing.
Motivation Station members also performed a routine for the crowd and held dance competitions.
"She would have been happy," said Morales. "Hopefully, we can get bigger and better every year. This was her vision."