Photo by Katie Johnson taken at the “Dancing United with the Starz” event.
The Tioga United Way, Inc. held its first-ever fundraiser “Dancing United with the Starz,” on Nov. 7 in the Carriage House on the Pumpelly Estate. The sold-out event was attended by more than 150 guests and raised more than $5,000 thanks to the generosity of those who purchased tickets, voted, danced and donated.
Modeled after the hit TV show, eight local celebrities including Mike Bartlow, Laura Spencer Eberly, Jane Nichols, Moira Osorio, Barbara Patten, Brandon Smith, Reathea Woodburn, and Dave Woodburn were paired with dance instructors from the Southern Tier Swing Society: Frank Como, Tony Farrand, Karen Harriell, Peggy Sayers, Tim Sayers, Emily Silvela, John Silvela and Chuck Williamson.
Master of Ceremonies, Jerry Natoli, was lots of fun and kept the audience entertained throughout the night. DJ Mike Neil played an integral part of the performances by setting the pace for the dancers and choosing some terrific tunes when it was time for the audience to shake their tail feathers.
The winners of the mirror ball trophy were Barbara Patten and Frank Como for “Audience Favorite” and Moira Osorio and Tony Farrand took home the mirror ball for “Best Technical” dancers – although it must be reported that there was a tie in the technical scoring.
Jane Nichols and Chuck Williamson also scored a 27, which required the judges (Francine Stein, Patty Regal and Ron Regal) to reassess their performances. The judges chose Osorio and Farrand but noted that Nichols and Williamson were serious contenders.
Jennifer Welch, of JLW Insurance, Inc. (formerly Tom Ash Insurance), was impressed by the performers, stating, “All the dancers were awesome and I can’t wait until next year!”
A balloon pop featured local wines, a one-night stay at the Pumpelly Estate, specially designed t-shirts, and a variety of gift certificates to local Tioga County businesses.
Another highlight of the sensational night was an exhibition dance by the handsome couple, Connie and Brian Sternberg. Connie Sternberg was the driving force behind the fundraiser and was pleased to know that so many guests enjoyed themselves all the while, knowing this was all for the benefit of the 31 partner agencies supported by the Tioga United Way.
The Pumpelly Estate, the Blackbird Bakery and Eatery, the Southern Tier Swing Dance Society and USA Dance Inc. were the major sponsors. Other generous donors and supporters included the Black Cat Gallery, ELKS Lodge 1039, Four Seasons Fitness Studio, Lawler’s Liquors, Liquor Town, Original Italian Pizza and Restaurant, Owego Gymnastics, Kathy Seitel-West, Dean and Nina Smith, Sincerely Yours, Susquehanna Screen Printers, VFW Post 1371, The Wine Connection and Ye Olde Country Florist.
Overall, it was a successful night and plans have already begun for Dancing United 2016!
All proceeds raised in Tioga County stay in Tioga County. To learn more about Tioga United Way, call them at 687-4028 or visit www.tiogaunitedway.com.
