DEARBORN — A belly dance talent competition is scheduled to take place Wednesday, Mar. 6 at Greenfield Manor here beginning 6 p.m. Auditions for the competition are being held at the H.Y.P.E Athletics Recreation Center in Dearborn Heights located at 23302 West Warren on Jan. 15 at 6 p.m. One audition already took place Jan. 9. A portion of the proceeds will go to support the Wish Makers Foundation. The event is strictly for women. “I have no doubt that this event will be anything less than a fun filled, entertaining and not to mention rewarding night. Just think about it, you attend an event that will offer delicious food, great prizes, get a workout and support a wonderful cause all in one night,” Jacqueline Chahine of J C Designs said.  

The first place winner will receive a cash prize of $500; second place, $150; third place, $100; fourth place, $50. All winners will receive an additional surprise gift. Tickets are $40 and $60 for VIP tickets. Dinner will also be included. Vendors are also welcome, but space is limited. Rent space is available for $75. 

Nahida Ayoub, a Dearborn woman, has been instrumental in helping raise awareness on local cancer patients who are in need of bone marrow donors by helping organize bone marrow drives. Ayoub lost her father to lymphoma cancer, but her passion for giving hope to others with the disease didn’t start until she met an 11-year-old boy named Hassen who was suffering from acute leukemia, and passed away because he had no donor. In March of 2012 Ayoub says she held her first bone marrow drive in hopes of growing the national registry. 

As of March  2012 Ayoub and other people in the community managed to host nearly 58 bone marrow drives. The outcome was phenomenal, and Ayoub says a few people were potential matches. “Several people in our community received a call informing them they were a potential match for someone battling blood cancer. Wow. What a feeling when I hear this,” Ayoub said.  She says her nephew recently received a call about him being a potential match for someone batting leukemia. 

Ayoub is encouraging everyone who hasn’t been tested between the ages of 18-44 to join the national registry. Getting tested to find out whether you’re a potential donor, is an easy and fast process, all it requires is a quick and painless cheek swab. Many blood cancer patients might be cured with a bone marrow transplant if they can find a matching donor. “Doctors and scientists continue conducting research to find a cure. In the meantime us women will keep dancing for a cure,” Ayoub said. 

Greenfield Manor is located at 4770 Greenfield Rd. between Michigan Avenue and Hubbard Dr. For inquires on tickets, auditions or other information call JC Designs, 313.952-1654, the WishMakers Foundation at 313-443-2222 or email JCDesignsonline@gmail.com.