American Martial Arts Institute

Press Releases

3rd Annual Dance the Night Away Fundraiser
February 14th, 2009

On Valentine’s Day, Grandmaster Clifford C. Crandall, Jr. danced to raise money for the Good News Center in the 3rd annual Dance the Night Away Fundraiser. Dance the Night Away pairs trained dancers with local celebrities in a friendly competition, and more than 330 people purchased tickets to attend the event. All of the proceeds were donated to support the mission of the Good News Center, including programs to strengthen and support marriages and families.

The Harts Hill Inn in Clinton, New York filled with elegant dresses and stylish suits, and the evening began with a dinner, allowing everyone to socialize before the celebrity dance contest. Two tables closest to the judges and dance floor were reserved for instructors and students of the American Martial Arts Institute. Following dinner, Gina and Luca Esposito offered group dance instruction for everyone in attendance, and many of the students and instructors joined the other guests in dancing.

Grandmaster Crandall with his fiance Amanda before the competition

Gina and Luca Esposito, along with some creative cooperation with the many experienced dancers, choreographed the dance routines for the event. While the dance instruction took place, Grandmaster Crandall changed out of his suit and into his dancing attire.

Grandmaster Crandall is known well in the Mohawk Valley and surrounding communities for his many contributions promoting safety and awareness. These have included his Secure Living television spots, Public Service Announcements with Ronald McDonald promoting safety tips, hosting, first, the Martial Arts Today Show, then the Safety and Awareness Today Show, and more. In all of these he has worn his martial arts uniform, becoming recognized as a martial artist making a positive difference in the community.

Grandmaster Crandall and his dance partner Bonnie Padula are announced to the crowd and enter the dance floor.

Dancing the Cuban Mambo during
Dance the Night Away Fundraiser in his
Custom-made uniform for the competition.

The crowd was delighted when Grandmaster Crandall appeared in a custom-made uniform for the evening, a black uniform trimmed with glittering silver sequins and a glimmering red and black belt to match. The music started and Grandmaster Crandall danced the Cuban Mambo with his dance partner Bonnie Padula. Several times the crowd broke out into spontaneous applause and cheers of excitement. The routine featured traditional dance moves with quick martial arts moves interspersed to add personality and enthusiasm. The dancing skills of he and his partner Bonnie earned them the distinction of Best Showmanship by the judges.

Grandmaster Crandall and his trained
dance partner, Bonnie Padula.

After the routines ended the celebrities and guests danced the night away, knowing that it all had gone to a good cause and had been a lot of fun.

Dance the Night Away was organized by Mike Buckley, the Executive Director of the Good News Center. The judges were: the Reverand Carol Jubenville (Executive Director for the Community at Sunset Wood), Mike McCoy (VP Cont. Care Service, Faxton-St. Luke’s Healthcare), and Fred Ashforth (a Trained Dancer). The Dancing Line-up included: Ralph Imundo with Bethany Colenzo, Susan Nackley Mojave with Ian Millen, Art Ellis with Filomain Talerico, Grandmaster Crandall with Bonie Padula, Megan Koskovich with Rocco Padula, Jeff Gornick with Andrea Buckley, and Melissa Kehler with Drew Donovan.

Thank you to everyone who attended with exciting night.