One Plymouth resident hopes to fill the void left by serious illness by building a spa-like resort in Medina especially for women suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases, and to do it she’s hosting the third annual Dance fundraiser next month. 

At the proposed dance wellness center, women “can ‘forget’ cancer, just for a day or a weekend,” says Cindy Deuser, CEO of Lillian’s boutiques and a founding chairwoman of Sara’s Dance Foundation. “It will be the ultimate pampering experience.”

The dance will be held February 25 at Medina Entertainment Center. Guests to the New York, New York-themed soiree will be escorted past the red carpet into a ballroom, where festivities range from live and silent auctions to myriad shopping opportunities. Appetizers and champagne will be served, and, of course, everyone should come prepared to dance.

All proceeds will fund the wellness center inspired by Deuser’s friend, Sara Johnson-Turpin, a vibrant woman who passed away from Acute Lymphoma Leukemia in 2002. “The facility will include a state-of-the-art spa, salon, fitness facilities and overnight accommodations free to women with serious illness,” Deuser says. There will also be an equine center, restaurant and shopping area. “Other women can enjoy the services at regular prices.” With $100,000 raised during the past two events, the foundation is $50,000 away from its goal of $1 million and a 20-acre land donation, and Deuser is looking for corporate sponsors. —Ketsuda Phoutinane

If You Go
Tickets are $35, $40 at the door
6:30–10 p.m. February 25
Medina Entertainment Center, 500 Hwy. 55, Hamel
Purchase tickets at any Lillian’s Shoppe locations or online at experiencethedance.com. Some also will be available at the door.

Plymouth resident Cindy Deuser is CEO of Lillians, a trendy retail accessory boutique for women that’s open just four days a month. Shoppers to her store, be warned: You might enter sensory overload from the plethora of affordable “designer-inspired” handbags and accessories on her shelves and racks.