The fourth-annual Dancing With OUR Stars brought in big money, despite the treacherous economy.
The annual fundraiser for Eagle’s Wings ran Saturday at the Washington High School Performing Arts Center.
“We think we will net, after expenses and everything, about $25,000,” said Sally Love, executive director of the charitable food pantry.
Around $7,000 of the money generated by DWOS will go to other nonprofits tapped to share in the proceeds.
Though this year’s fundraising total was smaller than last year’s, partly because of the economy, the dance-off was well received by the audience, Love related.
“The groups were wonderful,” she said. “Everything clicked. It moved along really well.”
Love credited Janet Cox, director-choreographer, and Patch Clark, stage manager, with sustaining the show’s momentum.
“Janet did a really wonderful job,” she said.
Organizers behind the event likely will meet soon to discuss whether DWOS will have a return engagement next year, Love said.
“There are a lot of factors that are involved,” she said. “We’d love to do it again if we can get folks to dance, get groups to participate.”
The winning DWOS dance team was the one that raised the most money for Eagle’s Wings.
This year the first-place team was fielded by Washington Pediatrics, which collected more than $6,800.
“It was a way for our office to come together and do something for not only those in need in the county but our children as well,” said Kathie McDonald, one of the dancers and a registered nurse with Washington Pediatrics.
Part of the money this team took in will come back to the Washington Pediatrics Foundation for the Reach Out and Read program, connecting young people with books.
Finishing in second place was the team fronted by Lee Chevrolet of Washington. This team raised $6,070.
“We were delighted to do that well,” said dancer Debra Perry. “We had a good time.”
In third place was the Turnage Theaters Foundation’s team.
Team member Deborah Page Wright wasn’t sure how much money the Turnage dancers collected, but she had high praise for Cox and master of ceremonies Russell Smith.
“My hat’s off to Janet Cox,” Wright commented. “She deserves every ounce of praise and everything. It’s obvious she’s very dedicated to that situation.”