Ten Years of Carrie’s Dream

This spring, the local nonprofit Carrie’s Dream marks a milestone: Ten years of raising money for dance scholarships with a dance showcase and auction.

The event will be Sunday, April 21, with two performances at 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. at the Henry J. Mello Center, 250 E. Beach St., Watsonville.

The nonprofit was founded in memory of Carrie Dianda McCoid, the owner of Steps Dance Studio in Watsonville, who died of a viral infection in 2012 at age 37, leaving her daughter and stepson.

She grew up in Felton, coached cheerleading and taught dance classes for 15 years, helped found the Hot Rods on the Beach event, sold real estate, and in 2010 realized her lifelong dream to open her own dance studio.

She was a beloved figure in the dance community, offering scholarships to those who could not afford dance lessons.

In 2014, a group of friends and colleagues including Tisha Nusbaum of Pacific Arts Complex were inspired to continue Carrie’s legacy of providing dance scholarships to children who otherwise could not afford them.

In the past decade, Carrie’s Dream has raised more than $300,000, providing vital support to the dance community and helping to fulfill Carrie’s aspirations.

Carrie’s Dream has made an indelible impact on the lives of aspiring dancers in Santa Cruz and Monterey counties.

The dance studio is more than a place to learn dance. It can be a safe and nurturing environment where children can explore their creativity, build confidence, and achieve a sense of accomplishment. For many, the dance studio is a second home, providing a positive outlet after school and on weekends for energy and emotions.

The community is invited to support this cause by attending the show and auction, sponsoring the event, making donations, or contributing items for the live and silent auctions. Your support can make a dream come true for a young dancer in our community.

Information on tickets, donations, and sponsorship is at carriesdream.org.

All seats are reserved. Tickets start at $20.