06 May 2026
In 2012, the Bastone family lost its much-loved figurehead when Mario Bastone, a dear nonno, father and friend, passed away from prostate cancer at the age of 84.
More than a decade on, his memory continues to inspire action through his son Don, who has helped raise more than $226,000 towards the defeat of prostate cancer.
“Dad was diagnosed with prostate cancer in his early sixties,” Don says. “Thankfully, the first time around, it went into remission.
“Unfortunately, it returned when he was in his early 80s, and over those last few years, he was in and out of the hospital in a lot of pain.
“Watching what he went through, I knew I wanted to do something about it. I just couldn’t believe how little people knew about prostate cancer, and I couldn’t stand by and do nothing.”
After Mario’s passing, Don began paying closer attention to advances in treatment and support, determined to help other men have a better chance.
That determination led to the creation of Dine & Dance for a Cure, a community fundraising event built around good food, music, dancing, local support and a powerful message about early detection.
“It all started with the idea to get a few friends together and raise money for research,” Don says.
“I’d been to a few dinner and dance events over the years and felt it would be the best way to get behind the cause and have fun at the same time.”
The first Dine & Dance for a Cure was held in 2013 and raised about $23,000. Since then, the two-yearly event has grown significantly in popularity and impact, becoming one of PCFA’s standout community fundraisers.
In 2024 alone, more than 300 guests attended, raising $76,000 in a single night.
“I am very proud of how the event has evolved over the years,” Don says. “In our first year, we raised about $23,000, which was a lot at the time, but pales in comparison to the $76,000 raised this year.
“It gets bigger and better each time, and that has always been my goal.”
The event’s success comes from a simple but effective formula: returning supporters, strong local sponsorship, corporate tables, word of mouth, and a night people genuinely enjoy.
“It’s a great night,” Don says. “A lot of music, everybody’s having a laugh and a bit of a giggle, good food, good wine, not too many speeches, and we try to raise a bit of money.”
In 2026, the event again proved popular, with around 329 tickets sold within about two weeks of the announcement.
Don says community support is one of the reasons Dine & Dance for a Cure continues to thrive.
“Knowing how strongly the community supports the event is important to me, with a growing number of corporate tables and groups who come back to each and every event to back it,” he says.
While the night is full of energy and celebration, Don says the message behind it remains serious.
“The message for men is to talk about it and get tested,” Don says. “If you get it early, you’ve got a great chance of surviving cancer. And if it’s not cancer but prostate issues, you’ll find out about it nice and early.”
As Don looks ahead to the next Dine & Dance for a Cure, his motivation remains firmly connected to his dad’s legacy.
“In between now and then, I’ll continue to honour my dad’s legacy by spending time with family and friends and cherishing every moment,” Don says.
Don’s story is a powerful reminder of what one person, one family and one community can achieve when they come together for men and their families impacted by prostate cancer.
