DEARBORN — Nearly 450 people attended a sold-out belly dance talent competition Mar. 6 at Greenfield Manor here.  The event was organized to support the National Bone Marrow Registry (NBMR), and helped raise awareness on the challenges facing cancer patients. 

The NBMR helps people across the country who’re batting cancer find bone marrow donors.  Nahid Ayoub, the founder of the Wish Makers Foundation and Jacqueline Chahine of JC Designs held the event. Ayoub has worked with the NBMR and been successful at finding donors for cancer patients by holding bone marrow drives.   

Eight women competed in the competition, and the winners were narrowed down to three people. 

For many of the guests and dancers, cancer hits close to home. Ray (pictured above) dedicated her award to both her mother and grandmother who are currently battling cancer.

First place winner, Kendra Ray won $500; second place, Amena Hamad, $250 and third place, Deniz Gundaz received $150. 

For many of the guests and dancers, cancer hits close to home. Ray dedicated her award to both her mother and grandmother who’re currently battling cancer.  “I am looking forward to next year’s event already,” Ray said. 

Ida Askar, who also competed in the competition dedicated her dance to a friend who succumbed to cancer. 

Prior to the event auditions were held to select the eight dancers who all came from various backgrounds. They ranged from lifelong to professional dancers with years of experience. 

The panel of judges included Yvette Newell, creator of Sekhmet Tribal Fusion Belly Dance and member of Isis Raks Belly Dance Troupe; Angela Donnellon, Fitness and Belly Dance Instructor; Azziza Salem, 18 plus years of Professional Belly Dancing experience and Doha Shuayto, motivational fitness instructor. 

Ayoub, who lost her father to cancer has made a special commitment to people battling the disease.

“I’m taking on this challenge to do something big that will help raise awareness, and help in finding the cure. I hope the community will support and help me in my effort and upcoming future events, whether it’s dancing, singing, I will continue my mission,” Ayoub said. 

Ayoub has also worked to help the Children’s Pediatric Hospital in downtown Detroit, and has plans to assist the medical center further in the future, in addition to expanding the Wish Makers Foundation.  “Knowing I am making a difference in people’s lives who’re sick, it really means the world to me,” Ayoub said. She was presented with an award at the event for her work with the Wish Makers Foundation by Chahine. For more info on the event visit wish-makers.org.