Dance This Way

By Paula Gottlieb Herman

“Dance This Way” might be a play on words referencing the song, “Walk This Way,” but last night Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels and 300 guests rocked it out on the dance floor at Arena Event Space NYC raising money for the Felix Organization’s goal to send NYC foster children to sleep away camp.

Twelve years ago the Felix Organization was founded by Darryl” D.M.C.” McDaniels of Run-DMC and Sheila Jaffe, an Emmy-award winning casting director. Both of them were adopted as children, and wanted to give foster kids a wonderful summer experience to look forward to. While these kids might bounce from foster family to foster family, the one thing they can count on, is Camp Felix.

Chef Paula and CookingWithStars.com were invited to cover the event, and it was a high-energy night with lots of bells and whistles emceed by Broadway star, Donnie Kehr. Guests were entertained by the NYC Tap Kids Crew, DJ music of Dina Regine & TJ Mizell, an electrifying performance of Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels singing, “It’s Tricky,” and “Walk This Way.” Naturally the party ended with a Donna Summer-like rendition of “Last Dance.”

Lorraine Bracco, actress from “Blue Bloods,” “Rizzoli & Isles” and “The Sopranos” was one of the presenters of awards during the program. In hearing her speak, she was so touched by this organization’s mission, and her involvement with the Felix Organization seems to be one very close to her heart.

Food display stations included some of the most succulent meatballs from Rao’s with their signature tomato sauce. Knowing that they would be there that night, I made sure to come hungry, and made a beeline for those meatballs. Chela, a Mexican restaurant in Park Slope, Brooklyn served luscious chunky guacamole with crispy homemade tortillas and refreshing mixed seafood ceviche. Organic farro salad with grilled vegetables from IL Gattopardo got high marks for yumminess. Magnolia Bakery added some sweetness to the event with their chocolate mini cupcakes and chewy chocolate chip cookies.

When interviewing “D.M.C.” outside the venue at the step and repeat, I told him I would be honored to have Chef Paula bring some of her cooking classes to Camp Felix this summer. Hopefully we’ll be able to spark some interest in cooking for these kids. I believe that food is love, and teaching kids to make healthy food for themselves and their foster families, is one more way to build crucial life skills.

Dance This Way for The Felix Organization with Darryl “D.M.C.” McDaniels

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