ST. GEORGE – Dixie High School’s auditorium was packed full Saturday night as community came together to raise money for the Washington County Children’s Justice Center with local stars paired up with professionals to dance in friendly competition onstage.
Ben Shakesepeare, with the help of his professional dancing partner Camille Bahoravitch, was the winner of Saturday’s contest. Lorri Soqui dancing with pro Neil Duncan and Terri Kane dancing with pro Giacomo Agrello followed Shakespeare as finalists.
Stars were able to encourage advance vote purchases as well as gain votes during the event. Shakespeare sweetened his chances, perhaps, wearing a shirt that said “Vote 4 Ben!” during his final dance – a costume change from the tuxedo worn earlier in the show.
“It’s a terrific cause,” Shakesepeare said of the event’s purpose.
Southern Utah’s Mix 103.1 radio show co-hosts Bryan Benware and Cindy Olsen served as emcees.
The stars were given roughly four months to learn how to dance with the help of their skilled partners. Votes were both purchased in advance and during the event in combination with selections from the judges, who included: Washington County Sheriff Cory Pulispher – who participated as a dancing star in the inaugural event last year; Dr. Sharon Richens of Richens Eye Center; and Darcy Stewart, managing partner of SunRiver Development and SunRiver Hotel Group.
The stars lineup
- Terri Kane | CEO, Dixie Regional Medical Center
- Lorri Soqui | Pilates trainer and postural specialist, Summit Athletic Club
- Sherrie Staheli | Staheli Family Farms
- Eric Dodge | Country singer
- David Cordero | Writer/media professional
- Ben Shakespeare | Owner, Shakespeare Development Group and Pride Point Construction
The pros
- Giacomo and Debra Agrello | Agrello Dance and Fitness Studio
- Neil Duncan | Local professional ballroom dancer
- Camille Bahoravitch | Westside Studio
- Christine France | Tuacahn High School Ballroom
- Bob Townsend-Manning | Co-owner of Dancing for the Rest of Us
See the stars in rehearsal here: Community stars to light up dance floor
Performing in front of a full auditorium of people, the stars danced their hearts out for the Children’s Justice Center, whose main goal is to help victims of child abuse.
“Last year we were able to raise over $15,000,” organizer Shelley Teeples said, noting that all of the money raised goes to the center. Total funds raised through this year’s “Dancing” event was not available at time of publication.
One of the center’s primary stated goals is: “To provide a comfortable, child-friendly atmosphere for alleged victims of child abuse to receive coordinated services during the investigative process.”
To learn more about the Washington County Children’s Justice Center and how to donate, volunteer or get help from the center, see resources section following the photo gallery.
The main sponsor of this year’s Dancing with the Stars was the Southern Utah Home Builders Association.
Click on photo to enlarge it, then use your left-right arrow keys to cycle through the gallery.
In this photo from the 2016 event, Camille Bahoravitch of Westside Studio helps Ben Shakespeare of Shakespeare Development Group and Pride Point Construction do the quickstep to the big win in their final number with Shakespeare wearing a shirt urging all to "Vote 4 Ben!" “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Emcees Cindy Olsen and Bryan Benware of Southern Utah’s Mix 103.1 radio show. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News L-R: Vote tallier; and Judges Sheriff Cory Pulsipher, Dr. Sharon Richens, Darcy Stewart. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Giacomo Agrello brings out the sultry in Intermountain Healthcare's Terri Cane as they untame the stage with a tango. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Debra Agrello dances the Viennese Waltz with community star and country singer Eric Dodge.
“Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Professional ballroom dancer Neil Duncan pairs up with community star Lorri Soqui, representing Summit Athletic Club, to do the cha-cha. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Community star Sherrie Staheli brought the triple swing with pro Bob Townsend-Manning. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News Tuacahn High School ballroom dancer Christine France had community star media professional David Cordero doing the Lindy Hop. “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News “Dancing with your Community Stars” benefit show for the Washington County Children's Justice Center, Dixie High School auditorium, St. George, Utah, April 2, 2016 | Photo by Austin Peck, St. George News
Resources
- Washington County Children’s Justice Center | Address: 463 East 500 South, St. George | Telephone 435-634-1134 | Email [email protected] | website | Facebook page | Donate | See the center’s Wish List | Volunteer | Report abuse
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