Benefit Ballet Performance to Help Toledo Superintendent

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Members of the Onalaska community have joined together to host a fundraiser benefit concert for a friend they hold dear to their hearts.

Sharon Bower, the current superintendent of the Toledo School District, recently battled cancer. 

Brenda Lunden, a parent in the Onalaska Elementary School, wanted to give back and support Bower.

Lunden experienced first-hand the support and love from Bower, who at the time was the elementary school principal. Bower helped Lunden during a challenging time for the family.

“She helped us get through a tough time,” Lunden said. “I’ll always be grateful for her help.” 

After moving to the Orting area, the Lundens were introduced to the Paradosi Ballet Co. through their church. Lunden approached the dancers, who agreed to come to Onalaska to put on a benefit performance to help offset Bower’s costs associated with her cancer treatments.

“As friends who just want to support her in her courageous fight with cancer, we’re happy to bring this beautiful performance to our community,” Cheryl Smaciarz and Cathy Murphy, the event organizers, said in a press release. “She has helped so many people over the years. It only makes sense to help her when she needs it most.”

Bower submitted her resignation as superintendent to the Toledo School Board in November, and said she wan



ts to continue working, but in a less demanding position that will allow her to enjoy her life to the fullest. 

Although she no longer requires any treatments after her recent fight against cancer, she re-evaluated her priorities. 

The Paradosi Ballet Co., founded in 2007, is the first professional Christian ballet company in the northwestern United States. Established with the intent of sharing the gospel, the company shares the dancers’ talents through drama, personal witness and dance. 

Paradosi is comprised of professional ballet dancers who volunteer their time and talents to be part of the ministry. Volunteers come from across the country, and the company has performed Bible-based story ballets and worships throughout the nation.

The cost of tickets is $10 in advance or $12 at the door. Tickets may also be purchased online at Paradosi’s website www.paradosiballetcompany.com, or from event organizers.

The program “I Am” will be performed at the Onalaska High School gymnasium at 4 p.m. Sunday, March 8.