Performances streamed live to Mayo

Contributed photo
Local photographer Stacy Moe is currently at Mayo Clinic in Rochester undergoing treatment for a second round of sarcoma cancer after being in remission for more than a decade. A dance benefit was held at the high school by Northern Lights Dance Academy and more than $15,000 was raised in less than three hours for the Moe family.

By Robert Williams

Editor

In the span of three hours, Northern Lights Dance Academy raised over $15,000 for Stacy Moe at a benefit held at the high school on Sunday, Jan. 29.

Moe is battling sarcoma cancer for the second time, after being in remission for 11 years.

She has experienced numerous surgeries and procedures at the Mayo Clinic. She was unable to attend the benefit as she has been at Mayo since December undergoing continuing treatment.

“That is an incredible testament to our community—our people, our churches, our school, and our dance community all coming together for a dear family in their time of need,” Ta Fett shared in a Facebook post after the benefit.. 

Northern Lights Dance Academy dancers performed, while a silent auction was held, along with a free will donation at the door.

All proceeds raised went directly to Stacy and Bruce Moe to alleviate the financial hardships they have faced and to help with costs to be in Rochester, travel, hotels and maintaining their home.

Frazee High School activities director Nick Courneya set up a live feed of the performances from the gymnasium so the Moe family could watch from the hospital.

“I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for the outpouring of support at the fundraiser today,” Moe replied on Facebook. “I was able to watch it uninterrupted (in a hospital,if you can believe it), and am looking forward to seeing these dancers on stage under the lights. Thank you to all those who donated their time and talent for organizing, silent auction donations, baked goods. I am truly humbled by all the support we have received from everyone in the area. We offer prayers of thanks and gratitude to all of you!”

Dynamic Homes of Detroit Lakes has set up direct donations to the family through Bremer Bank, or people can donate to the Moe family’s GoFundMe page at https://gofund.me/32532094. 

More than half of the $9,000 requested through the benefit site set up by Julie Anne Ingberg has been raised.

Fett expressed her thanks to the dancers and their parents, the Catholic Church organizations for assisting, Northern Lights Dance Academy teachers and dancers for putting on the show, and Courneya for making sure the Moes could watch from Mayo. 

“Thank you to everyone who came out and supported this family with your contributions and help,” she said. “We truly made a difference for Bruce and Stacy.”