The cast of Dancing United with the Starz 2018. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Tioga United Way’s Dancing United with the Starz ’18 was a great success thanks to their donors, sponsors, dancers, volunteers and supporters. On Saturday, Dec. 1, more than 400 guests sparkled and swayed in Tioga Downs’ grand ballroom in Nichols, N.Y. Over-the-top hors d’oeuvres were enjoyed while participating in an exciting balloon pop.
Pictured, are the Masters of Ceremony, Cate Pichany and Lew Sauerbrey. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Their attention was then brought to the dance floor where Masters of Ceremony, Lew Sauerbrey and Cate Pichany, along with Disc Jockey Mike Neil, kept the audience engaged and grooving.
Jeff Gural, owner of Tioga Downs Casino Resort, is pictured with Tioga United Way’s Executive Director, Carolyn Palladino. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Tioga United Way Executive Director, Carolyn Palladino, announced that Mr. Jeff Gural would, once again, match half of what was raised for the entire event. This clearly inspired the audience to reach deep down in their pockets and donate even more.
Pictured, are the Winners of the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy, Harrison and Tia Wright; and Winners of the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy, Sabrina Slater and Merlin Joseph. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
The highlight of the event was watching the 11 competing couples light up the dance floor. The couple that won the Judge’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy was Sabrina Slater, the pastor of Christ the King Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Spencer, N.Y. and Merlin Joseph, manager of Key Bank in Binghamton, N.Y. who danced a salsa soca and wowed the audience.
The couple that took home the People’s Choice Mirror Ball Trophy and raised the most money was Tia Wright with her brother, Arthur Murray Instructor Harrison Wright, who danced a Mambo with a fun Bollywood beat.
Attending the event, pictured, are Jennifer Welch, owner of Tom Ash Agency; Dan Brown, executive director at Franziska Racker Centers; and Sister Mary O’Brien, director of Tioga County Rural Ministry. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
The total amount raised from the event surpassed their goal of $50,000, which will go toward the 34 agencies of the Tioga United Way.
Also in attendance were New York State Senator Fred Akshar, Mr.and Mrs. Jeff Gural, Tioga County Legislator Marte Sauerbrey, and many friends and family who traveled from all over to support their favorite dancer.
Chemung Canal Trust Company Branch Manager, Sarah Darling, is pictured with instructor, Tim Sayers. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
The Tioga United Way would like to give special thanks to Jana Bowen, Anne Grant, Barbara Patten, Madison Hornick, Teresa McNamara, Connie Sternberg, Betsy Snyder, and Jenny Ceccherelli for volunteering their time and energy to make this event a success.
Pictured is the Director of the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club, Jamie Holliday, with instructor John Silvela. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
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. Mark your calendars for Dancing United with the Starz ’19 scheduled for Nov. 2, 2019.
WBNG TV’s Kara Conrad with instructor, Geraldo Iglesias. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
In the meantime, the Tioga United Way is conducting their annual giving campaign to assist those most in need in Tioga County. To make a donation, visit tiogaunitedway.com.
Pictured, is Tioga Downs’ General Manager, Charlie Otto, with instructor Peggy Sayers. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Owner of Yaman’s Automotive, Joe Yaman, is pictured with instructor Karen Harriell. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Lockheed Martin employee, Mike Kania channeling his inner Michael Jackson. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
Owner of Fuddy Duddy’s, Suzan Williams, is pictured with instructor Philip Herin. Photo credit: Andreea Earley.
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