Local Students Dance For A Good Cause - WMDT 47 News - Delmarva's Choice

HEBRON, Md. - There was a big dance at Westside Intermediate Friday, and the third graders were partying with a purpose.

"When they heard the news that she was sick again, they decided that that's who they wanted to help," said Jennifer Parker, parent of a Westside student.

That person was 8-year-old Brooke Mulford, who was diagnosed with neuroblastoma in 2008.

Her cancer went into remission, but recently relapsed. And that's when students from the school's Destination Imagination program decided to pitch in.

"She had cancer and felt sick and I felt sorry for her," said Gavin Parker, a student and Destination Imagination member. "So I wanted to have the dance for her so she could have all of her wishes come true."

Destination Imagination is a national organization challenging kids to find creative and innovative ways to solve real-world problems.

Students pick a project of their own to focus on for the year, and are in charge of every single detail - from brainstorming sessions to the final product. This year, the "Funky Monkey" team at Westside chose support the "Brooke's Wishes Foundation," a fund to help her achieve her dreams.

"To be able to put on something like this at such a young age, it's amazing what they've done in there," said Amy Mulford, Brooke's mom. "And many of these students don't even know her."

"I think she's gonna love it," said Gavin. "Cause I think it's gonna make her happy because we're doing all of this for her."

Brooke's continual smile throughout the night told it all.

"She's having a great time," said Amy Mulford. "She's in there, running around. She's dancing, eating popcorn, cotton candy. She's having a ball."

And she's already got plans on what wishes she wants to fulfil.

"She did say she wants to go to Paris," said Mulford. "And buy a white poodle. Paris is a maybe the poodle is a no," she laughed.

Part of the requirements of the Destination Imagination team is to give a mock press conference in front of the organization's leaders next month, during a regional competition in Baltimore.

They'll present their year-long project through a documentary, shot and edited with little help from their adult coaches. It will include and how much they've raised for Brooke's foundation, and if they win, they'll head to the finals in Tennessee this spring.