March 14th 2009 Event

“This was better than we ever expected…passed all our expectations,”

The Vero Beach Elks Lodge was transformed into an elegant stage for dancing complete with an overhead mirrored ball reflecting colorful lighting, silhouetted dancer forms, and candle lit tables.

Ten local “celebrity” dancers coupled with their professional dance instructors wowed the crowd. Their donation of over 300 hours of practice and performance raised the roof and raised donations for the Healthy Start Coalition. The evening raised spirits, money and overwhelming applause and rooting from a packed house.

“This was better than we ever expected…passed all our expectations,” said enthusiastic Healthy Start Coalition’s Shira Johnson. “We sold out seating several weeks before the grand performance, but our website sparked donations through late Friday evening, before we shut it down to begin counting the votes. Each dollar spent was a vote for a dancer.”

Donations didn’t stop there as effervescent Emcee Hamp Elliot of 93.7 The Breeze, urged attendees to visit the dancer collection boxes at the rear of the room before the tally was made at the end of the evening.

In his quest to raise more money, Emcee Elliot praised Steve Pfiester’s titillating costume and alluring dance performance with partner Shari Tessier, “It will cost you a $5 bill if you wish to touch Steve Pfiester.” The crowd roared.

The judges scored an amazing balance with the audience as they critiqued and scored every performance. Judges Lance Sexton of Melbourne Ballroom, Andrew Curry of Dance Space, and Gretchen Rose of Island Home Interiors were nicknamed to their counterpart on ABC’s Dancing with the Stars, and received their fair share of “yeahs” and “boos”.

The dancers score was based on the competition criteria of 25% dancing skills and 75% fundraising. Kathryn Collins-former Vero Beach Magazine Social Editor and community non-profit volunteer with professional dancer Jim Bennett were the winners and were awarded the grand prize mirrored ball trophies. Local resident Pamela Director with partner Joe Tessier owner of the 14th Avenue Dance Studio were awarded the trophies for the top dance score of the night.

Other participation trophies were awarded to Tatiana Dyer-Owner of Dyer Chevrolet and Mazda with James Martin - 14th Avenue Dance Studio; Donna Fabean- Director of Women's Health Care Indian River Medical Center with Aaron McKenna - Swing Sebastian; Laura Kelley- Program Director of the Lifelong Learning Institute at Indian River State College with Joseph Wynes-Desire to Dance; Steve Pfiester-co-owner of Longevity Fitness Club and Spa in Vero Beach with Shari Tessier-14th Avenue Dance Studio; Vinnie Parentela- proprietor of Gold Coast Landscape Lighting in Vero Beach and Co-Chairman of the Citrus Gala & Cattle Barons’ Ball with Michele Holm-Swing Sebastian; Patti Rooney of Rooney Bookkeeping Services with Bob Kane-Dance on Space Coast; Keith Pelan of Kimley-Horn with professional dancer Pamela Bennett; and Tom Lowe-owner of Rock City Gardens with Karren Walter - Indian River Ballroom.

“We are very excited that Dancing with Vero’s Stars helped bring such wonderful recognition to our organization,” stated Healthy Start Coalition’s Leslie Spurlock.” We know all of our stars not only worked long hours learning their dance, they also worked very hard to bring donations into the coalition. This event introduced dancing as a great way to have fun and relieve stress. We are so happy to have been able to provide a positive experience for so many people in the community; participants and audience alike.”

Following a recap meeting, the committee will be looking at dates for the 2010 competition. A list of possible dancers has been started as well as individuals who may wish to serve on the planning committee or act as volunteers. For more information, contact the Healthy Start Coalition’s office at 772-563-9118.

MORE EVENT PICTURES COMING SOON!