On Saturday, November 10th over 600 local community members showed their support and passion for the community at the 2012 Duneland Family YMCA Dancing Like the Stars event.
Held at Duneland Banquet Center in Portage, this sold out event featured 8 local celebrities. Dan Keilman performed the tango, Christy Jarka made her debut performing the ChaCha, Mike Sutter combined the Rumba with a little Hip Hop, and Lisa McCarthy's dance partner swung her around the dance floor with a Swing routine. The second half of the performances featured Lu DeWulf with the Waltz, Tom Seely with the Fox Trot, Jocelyn Hibshman wowed the audience with her Swing routine, and Greg Babcock brought the audience back in time with the Hustle.
The contestants had the opportunity to receive awards in three categories: Judge's Choice, People's Choice, and Shining Star. The Shining Star award was based on the amount of sponsorship dollars a contestant received. Jocelyn Hibshman was awarded Judge's Choice and People's Choice. Lu DeWulf was awarded the Shining Star award.
The 2012 Duneland Family YMCA Dancing Like the Stars competition was help to raise funds for families within the Duneland community. The Y is in the Duneland community to provide programs and opportunities to people and families that build a healthy mind, body, and spirit. The Duneland Y is committed to ensuring that everyone is able to benefit from these services regardless of their ability or inability to pay. The monies raised at this event will go to families in the Duneland community through the Y's Financial Assistance Program to subsidize those families and individuals who need community support.
The Duneland Family YMCA staff and volunteers would like to thank the following sponsors: Ace Hardware, Anton Insurance Agency, Ameriprise Financial Services, AMT Computers, Gregory T. Babcock, Julie Braveman Photography, Duneland Exchange Club, Duneland Resale, Lu DeWulf's family, Edmonds and Evans Funeral Homes, First American Management Company, Michael A. Fish, Gaston's Towing and Auto Repair, Hiestand Law Offices, Dr and Mrs. Charles and Linda Hurst, Jarrett Real Estate, Lakeshore Mechanical, Luke's Oil, Mike Miller, Nielsen Automotive Group, Virginia Phillips, Prudential Executive Group, Red Cup Cafe, Riley's Railhouse, Tom and Lou Roberts, Success Trek, Tamarak Group, Tiny Bubbles, Trout Glass and Mirror, Valparaiso Insurance Professionals, Waxi Taxi, Winey Insurance Agency, and the Wolter's family.
Duneland Ballroom in Chesterton and Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Merrillville donated countless hours and dancers from their studios to prepare the contestants. A special thank you to Delta Theta Tau for providing the evenings desserts.
Meg McCarel, Dancing Like the Stars Chair, shared "We should all feel so blessed to live in Chesterton, a giving community. To everyone who came, who supported, who helped, thank you!"
To view upcoming events at the Duneland Y or to learn more about this nonprofit organization please visit www.dunelandymca.org.
Photos:
- Rich Gardner, Duneland Y Board Member with Anthony Coberg, owner of Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Merrillville.
- Rick and Lena Lewis enjoying the after shower dance. Rick is the Program Director at the Duneland Y.
- Lisa McCarthy, contestant and Kym Groceman, Duneland Y Executive Director
- Tom and Kelly Brooks with Mike and Jerri Sutter. Tom and Mike are both members of the Duneland Y Board of Directors