DWOS runs Saturday

Published 2:13 am Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Singers and musicians rehearse the finale of Dancing With OUR Stars Tuesday afternoon in Washington. (WDN Photo/Jonathan Clayborne)

People who support Dancing With OUR Stars are supporting more than just Eagle’s Wings, a Washington food pantry that helps feed the hungry.

Donors and ticket purchasers also have a chance to help eight nonprofits in Beaufort County, said Janet Cox, director/choreographer.

The nonprofits fielding dance teams to help Eagle’s Wings get to keep 50 percent of the money they raise.

“What a wonderful chance to give back to that many organizations in one fell swoop,” Cox commented Tuesday.

She urged supporters to buy tickets to the fundraiser, which kicks off with a public dress rehearsal at 4 p.m. Saturday and continues with the main event at 8 p.m. in the Washington High School Performing Arts Center.

Cox pointed to the variety of acts on tap as a drawing card for this fourth-annual celebration of Eagle’s Wings’ mission to help the needy.

“The main thing is it’s just such a broad range of entertainment, everything from country music to Stephen Sondheim,” she said, adding a wide selection of dance styles will be on display.

“There’s something for everyone, all age groups,” Cox pointed out.

In an interview last week, Sally Love, executive director of Eagle’s Wings, also nodded to the nonprofits working to aid Eagle’s Wings while aiding themselves.

“We’re really excited about being able to have this this year and being able to share it with the other nonprofits in town,” Love said. “There’s a lot of variety and good music, and a lot of participation this year, and a lot of new groups dancing.”

Last year, DWOS generated $51,895.78 for Eagle’s Wings, breaking all records for the then-three-year-old fundraiser.

With that success under their belt, Eagle’s Wings’ board, staff and volunteers moved toward sharing the proceeds with other nonprofits, including the Turnage Theaters Foundation and the Beaufort County Arts Council.

DWOS is Eagle’s Wings’ biggest fundraiser of the year.