Dancing With The Locals 2015

Posted by Bill Wicker
 
Dancing With The Locals 2015
What do a dental hygienist, a logistics specialist, a Sous Chef, a radiology technician, 2 sheriff’s deputies, a builder, a personal trainer, a realtor, a leadership coach, a CFO, a sales manager, 2 hair stylists, a dentist, a dance instructor, a college student, an I.T. manager, a disabilities staff assistant and a student services manager have in common?  They are 20 individuals that have taken time out of their busy schedules to train and participate as dancers in the 2015 edition of Plant City Rotary’s “Dancing With The Locals (DWTL)” fundraiser.   The efforts of these individuals, along with the work and dedication of many Rotarians and others helped to make this year’s “DWTL” a huge success.  It was a night where Rotary’s motto of “Service Above Self” was exhibited by all those involved.  It is through the efforts of all the participants and the generosity of all who attended, that funds raised are able to support a large number of local and international charitable causes.
 
The event was held at the Trinkle Center on the campus of the Plant City H.C.C. on Friday night, November 13th.   After arriving at the event, guest were able to enjoy cocktails and plenty of good food prior to the beginning of the night’s program.  The program began with a welcome and introduction by the emcees for the night, Olivia Stacey and Mark Cook.  Next, remarks by Plant City Rotary President Jeremy Burris included informing those in attendance of the many local and international charitable activities that the night helps to fund.  In addition a $10,000.00 check was presented to the Plant City United Food Bank. 
              The judges for the night were introduced.  They included Carmen Brownlee, Edwena Haney and Rhett Rollyson.  A live auction was held by Rotarian Billy Herold where one audience member purchased the opportunity to be the fourth judge on the panel.  After recognizing the dance instructors who worked with the 10 couples in the months leading up to the event, the dance “competition” commenced.
              The 10 couples that participated included:  1-John and Freddie Ray, 2-Deanna and Tony Rodriguez, 3- Heather and Darry Dykstra, 4- Mike and April Ferry, 5- Ethan Rouse and Lori Ingram, 6- Mackenzie and Dennis Bonefront, 7-Marshall Sewell and Meghan Sewall, 8- Dr. Helen Hoveida and Branden Osborne, 9- Tiffany Brock and Eric Randall, and 10- Nicole Hamilton and Tim McArter.  After each couple performed, they were interviewed by the Emcees and then the judges proceeded to comment and vote on each couple.  The judge’s votes were used to determine the Judge’s Choice Award to be presented later in the event.  Those in attendance voted for the couple of their choice by contributing dollars in charitable contributions to Plant City Rotary.  First, Second and Third place were determined based on the amounts of dollar votes along with any contributions the couples had collected through sponsorships.
              After the performances where complete, an intermission was held allowing patrons to get dessert and to have time for vote for their favorite couple.  After intermission, a live auction was held for 3 items:  a guitar autographed by Taylor Swift, a full day offshore fishing trip and a guitar autographed by George Strait.   Showcase dances where then performed by Curt and Tammy Worlock and Kevin Rios and Tracey Zirfas.
              After thanks to all involved by event Chairman Rotarian Jodi Stevens, it was time for announcing the winners.  The Judges Choice Award went to Megan Sewell and Marshall Sewell.  Third place went to Deanna and Tony Rodriquez.  Second place also went to Megan and Marshall.  The First Place award went to Heather and Darry Dykstra.
              The biggest winners of the night were all those that will be helped by the funds raised at this great event.  Thanks again to all those that helped put this event on and all those that attended.  A special thanks also goes out to all the sponsors that contributed.  If you missed the event, you missed a fun night of entertainment and giving back to others.  We hope to see you all next year.  For highlight photos of the event visit the DWTL 2015 photo album.
 
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