Laughter, music, and dancing filled the auditorium of the Apple Preschool today as the Rotary Club of North Shore hosted a special dance party on March 5th in honor of Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month.
Children from the Apple Preschool—Queens Centers for Progress’ (QCP) Children’s Center—enjoyed a lively morning featuring a cultural dance performance by Ms. Jyotika Patel of Jyotika Dance School, made possible by Rotarian Dr. Bhavani Shrivastava. Rotarian Dr. Kamini Shah kept the energy high with a fun playlist, while the kids joined in for interactive dance sessions. To top it off, each child received a small gift and snack pack, courtesy of the Rotary Club.
“This was such a joyful experience,” said Rotarian Dr. Nita Mehta, Project Chair. “Seeing the kids light up while dancing and celebrating together is what this is all about—bringing people together and making meaningful connections.”
The event was designed to create an inclusive and fun atmosphere for the children, giving them an opportunity to express themselves through movement and music.
“The event was a beautiful reminder of the power of community and joy,” said Cindy Heller, Director of the Children’s Center. “The children had an amazing time, and it was heartwarming to see them express themselves through music and dance. We’re incredibly grateful to the Rotary Club of North Shore for creating such a memorable experience, and hope to work together in the future for more opportunities for our kids to shine.”
QCP, which provides essential services for individuals with developmental disabilities, was proud to partner with the Rotary Club of North Shore for this celebration. Events like these highlight the power of community and the importance of creating spaces where all children can shine.
