Carolyn Dorfman Dance’s annual major fundraiser, held on April 23 at the Maplewood Country Club, brought in almost $90,000, 20 percent more than 2025, and was an unqualified success. More importantly, more than 125 supporters experienced stellar performances by the dance company and “Spotlight Friendz,” recognition of several individuals who strengthened the company over many years, and all enjoyed a sumptuous spread and open bar.
Long-time Board Chair Don Jay Smith commented “I have attended every one of the company’s benefits and this one was one of the best. The Maplewood Country Club always has a spectacular buffet, and the camaraderie of the evening was exceptional. The performances of the ‘Spotlight Friendz’ took on new meaning this year because three of the five were former dancers who are still beautiful movers and storytellers. Of course, the company was magnificent.” Executive Director Anita Thomas was ecstatic that more money was raised through forty-two new people giving large and small donations through the 99 Pledges platform in support of our Spotlight Friendz and honorees.
Of the “Spotlight Friendz” the top fundraiser was Betsy Sobo who danced to James Taylor’s “You’ve Got a Friend,” the same song that she and her late husband Joel had danced to at their wedding. Betsy, who had been a professional dancer, proved that she still could move with facility and grace.
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Two of the “Spotlight Friendz” danced together: Lara Friedman Kats and Ronnie Carney. Lara, a former dancer with the company, is now a dance teacher at Bard High School. Ronnie, former dancer, is now a dance teacher at Newark Arts High, and was one of Carolyn’s mentees. Both performed moving tributes to their loving grandmothers.
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
“Spotlight Friendz” Ennis Carter was joined by her husband Phil, as the 2-piece Alt-Americana band, The Flipcharts. The two played guitars and performed an original song entitled “What We Found,” in a style reminiscent of the Everly Brothers. Dancers Kayleigh Bowen and Jacob Kurihara used paper props that provided a different twist to the evening of dance. Everyone was enthralled with their talent.
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Jill Ford, technology executive, is Anita’s mentee from New Brunswick High School, who performed a fast-paced duet with New Brunswick native Brandon Jones, senior company member. The two showed off their jitterbug skills to Bette Midler’s popular “Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy.”
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Another highlight of the evening was the presentation of two awards. The prestigious Encore Award was given to Ennis Carter of Social Impact Studios (SIS) for her long-time guidance of our marketing and identity work. Ennis is the founder of the Philadelphia-based studio, dedicated to public-interest design and social change communication. She was named one of the “50 Best Women in Business” by Pennsylvania Governor Ed Rendell and was also one of the “Spotlight Friendz.”
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Two volunteers, Helen Davis and Janel Brown, received a Special Recognition Award, for their years of service to Carolyn Dorfman Dance. Helen is a retired telecommunications professional with experience in sales, marketing, and human resources. Janel is a book publishing professional who was recently honored with Publisher’s Weekly Star Watch, a program that recognizes rising talent under the age of 40. Both women devote their time and expertise to the company.
Photo by Zakk Ottmers.
Janel says, “I first encountered Carolyn Dorfman Dance at NJ SummerDance over a decade ago. I was thrilled to learn that an established, acclaimed professional dance company was based right in my hometown. Later I completed my senior internship at the company’s office, and a few years after, I became CDD’s first marketing and communications assistant. These experiences cemented my relationships with Carolyn, Anita, and CDD. Working with the company fostered in me a deep appreciation for arts management and brought me into a professional dance space that values artistry, technical excellence, education, and human connection. Since then I have stayed with the organization as a volunteer, employee, donor, and friend, and today I remain in awe of Carolyn’s gift for storytelling, teaching, and collaboration and grateful for Anita’s continued support and mentorship.”
And so, it went. It was a glorious evening at the Maplewood Country Club, one that began with an open bar and spectacular food, followed by a program that included dance, song, awards and ended with everyone on the dance floor. No one wanted the evening to end!
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