Special tribute

Davie event helps late woman’s family

Young singers, dancers and musicians entered the Rose and Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center in Davie and walked on stage with candles in hand.

This opened a benefit concert that Broadway Kids Studio in Davie was putting on in memory of Suzanne Roberts Mazzola, who died due to complications while giving birth to her fourth child, Owen.

Broadway Kids owners Michelle and Aadil Ameerally have known the Mazzolas for years, and children Ella and Matteo Mazzola are part of the studio.

“People from all over have helped,” Michelle Ameerally said. “Some people who couldn’t make it have donated. Some people have given us gift cards to give to the family. Other people have brought baby formula and things like that. The response as a whole has been wonderful.”

A number of Mazzola and Roberts family members were on hand for the evening of acoustic music, singing, dancing and remembrance.

Performers like Victor Vazquez had to learn numbers within a matter of days, and the production was put together in a little less than two months.

“I didn’t know the family, but when I heard what happened, my heart broke,” said Vazquez, 17. “It was horrible. I’m just glad to be here and to contribute to something. This is a wonderful thing to be part of.” Maisy Surman, 11, agreed. “It’s beautiful to be able to use my gift and for everyone else to use their gifts, too,” she said. “It’s heartwarming.

Members of Sheila Scanlan’s Body & Soul Dance Theatre also participated. The venue at Nova Southeastern University was donated for the occasion, and all proceeds were donated to the Mazzola family.

For more information on how to help, visit Gofundme.com/lfu800 or search for Suzanne Mazzola at Youcaring.com.