Shakespeare Men’s Club Halloween Dance raises $6,456 for local family

A view from the balcony captures the lively crowd at the Shakespeare Men’s Club’s annual Halloween Dance, where the community came together to raise funds for the Kuchma family. Contributed photo

By Gary West

The Shakespeare Men’s Club hosted its annual Halloween Spooktacular Dance on Saturday night at the Optimist Hall, drawing a crowd of costumed partygoers who came out to support a special cause – Carter Kuchma and his family.

Seven-year-old Carter Kuchma of Shakespeare has been undergoing cancer treatments at London’s Victoria Hospital Cancer Centre since early August. Despite the challenges, his parents, Tyler and Diane Kuchma, and his two sisters say Carter continues to show improvement at home.

“We’re taking one day at a time,” the family said, “and we’re so very appreciative of the support and generosity the entire community has shown over the past number of weeks.”

The event, organized by the Men’s Club, raised an impressive $6,456.41 for the Kuchma family. Hundreds attended the dance, buying tickets, making donations and contributing to a fun-filled evening filled with music, costumes and community spirit.

Though Carter and his parents couldn’t attend – as Carter is on a monitored medication pack – they expressed heartfelt thanks to everyone who took part.

“We’re so grateful and proud to live in a community with so many caring and amazing people,” the family said. “Thank you all for being so generous.”

Donations are still being accepted via e-transfer to info@shakespearemensclub.com.