Dancing United with the Starz 2017.
The Tioga United Way’s Dancing United with the Starz ’17 was a great success thanks to their generous donors, sponsors, dancers, volunteers and supporters. On Saturday, Dec. 2, more than 400 guests sparkled and swayed in Tioga Downs’ new grand ballroom in Nichols, N.Y.
Guests were served hors d’oeuvres, while participating in a balloon pop. Their attention was then brought to the dance floor where Master of Ceremonies, Lew Sauerbrey and Disc Jockey, Mike Neil, kept the audience engaged and grooving.
Winners of the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy Julie Lovelass and Winner of the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy, Capri May.
Before the performance began, Tioga United Way Executive Director, Carolyn Palladino, announced that Jeff Gural would match half of whatever was raised for the entire event. This clearly inspired the audience to reach deep down in their pockets because during the evening, voting for the dancers raised more than $20,000.
The highlight of the event was watching the 11 competing couples shake and shimmy. The couple that won the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy and received the highest scores was Owego Free Academy Special Education Teacher Capri May, and Lockheed Martin employee John Silvela, who danced a smoking hot salsa to Antony Nova’s “Shape of You (Salsa)”.
The couple that took home the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy and raised the most money was Owego Kitchen’s Julie Lovelass with her son, Arthur Murray Instructor Harrison Wright, who danced a combo East Coast Swing / Jive to the B52’s “Love Shack.”
The total amount raised from the event surpassed their goal of $50,000, which will go towards the 34 agencies of the Tioga United Way. In attendance were Senator Fred Akshar, Tioga County Legislator Marte Sauerbrey, Mr. and Mrs. Jeff Gural, Owego Mayor Steve May, and the many friends and family who traveled from all over and as far away as California.
Pictured are Owego Free Academy Special Education Teacher Capri May, and Lockheed Martin employee John Silvela.
The Tioga United Way would like to give special thanks to Anne Grant, Madison Hornick, Teresa McNamara, Connie Sternberg, and Betsy Snyder for volunteering their time and energy to make this event a success.
If you would like to learn more about the 34 agencies of the Tioga United Way or if you’d like to volunteer to help at the next big fundraiser, the Adult Spelling Bee, send an email to tiogaunitedway@stny.rr.com.
In the meantime, the Tioga United Way is conducting their annual campaign to assist those in need in Tioga County. To make a donation, visit tiogaunitedway.com.
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