With a standing room only crowd, local celebrities Jonathan Bunzey, Sharon Delaney, Jake Fehling, Sloane Heffernan, Kitty Kinnin and Amber Rupinta performed with dance partners from the Arthur Murray Dance Studio – Aubrey Horn, David Cox, Steve Caballero and Michael Parker – to raise over $18,000 for the National Inclusion Project! Their weeks of training (and friendly competition) helped the group raise a record amount for the event!
One of the highlights of the show was crowd favorite Jonathan Bunzey’s swing dance with partner Aubrey Horn. Jonathan was able to attend his first summer camp as a preteen with an interpreter provided by the National Inclusion Project. He is now a camp counselor and Project advocate. His enthusiasm, amazing smile, and a few hip swings had everyone reaching for their wallets!
After all 6 couples danced their hearts out, Jake Fehling, Director of Media & Public Relations for USA Baseball, clenched 1st place. And, while his dancing and pre-event appeals were great, we’re pretty sure his mini striptease with ‘Donate’ written on his undershirt was what got him most of his votes! Jake is proud to be the first male celebrity to ever win the competition and the celebrity to bring in the most donations ever!
Needless to say, we all had a great time and raised awareness about inclusion and the Project. We graciously want to thank all of the dancers, volunteers and donors that helped make this event a huge success! We can’t wait until next year’s show!
Special Thanks to the following:
- Everyone who donated and voted for the dancers
- Kitty Brandon for organizing the booth layout and schedule
- Faye Parker for organizing Dancing Like the Stars
- Arthur Murray Dance Studios and their dance instructors
- Jonathan Bunzey, Sharon Delaney, Jake Fehling, Sloane Heffernan, Kitty Kinnin and Amber Rupinta
- The Southern Women’s Show for their support of the event