2011 Dancing With the Locals

Posted by Bill Wicker

on Nov 20, 2011

The 2011 Edition of Plant City Rotary’s “Dancing With the Locals” was held Friday November 11^th at the Red Rose Ballroom. Dancing With the Locals is a fundraiser that has become one of Plant’s City’s premier fundraising events. This event, currently in its fourth year, features local “celebrities”, Rotarians and community members in a dance competition much like TV’s Dancing with the Stars.

The couples train in local dance studios for weeks, then dance in a 1 night “competition.” Spectators “vote” for their favorite couple with their wallets. The “votes” (contributions) in conjunction with any monies raised by the couples in advance through sponsorships determine which couple “wins” the event. Attendees at the event also enjoy food and drink and participate in a silent auction that raises additional money. The real winners are the local groups, and Rotary charities which receive support from the Plant City Rotary Club.

This year 9 couples participated.

Michael and Victoria Watkins

Mike and Heather Esposito

Charles Harris and Tara Smith

Kelleigh Klein and Stephen Poole

Angel and Courtney Paat

Gary and Tina Pike

Debbie Hawkins and Faustino Rios

Olan Deguzman and Tracey Connell

and Marcus Caswell and Traci Walding.

In addition there were 2 showcase dances:

One by “The Real Rotary Wives of Plant City”

And the other by the USF SunDolls.

3^rd Place in the event went to Michael and Victoria Watkins. 2^nd Place went to Gary and Tina Pike and 1^st Place went to Olan Deguzman and Tracy Connell. In addition the “Judges award for Best Dance” went to Gary and Tina.

This event would not be possible without the many sponsors that help support it or without the continued support of the Plant City community. What a fun way to give back to our community. We look forward to seeing you all next year!