The Boulware Mission’s 7th Annual Dancing with Our Stars contestants are in full swing of securing their donations for the Aug. 10 event. With the grand prize being a mirror ball for the contestants and a donation to Boulware Mission from the contestants, the night is a win-win for all involved.
Prior to the event, local celebrities who are dancing for the night raise money through “People’s Choice” votes, which is a donation to Boulware Mission under the couple’s name. This vote counts 50 percent toward their overall score and places them higher on the leaderboard before the dancing begins. The other 50 percent of their score is determined by their dance and voted on by the judges.
Aimee Garrard, one of the dancers, said to raise money, she and her dance partner, Doug Hoyt, created an online auction of donated items from local businesses and individuals on their Dancing with Our Stars Facebook page.
Garrard and Hoyt have also asked friends, family, neighbors and colleagues for monetary donations of any size.
“Small donations like the cost of a ‘daily coffee’ or ‘pizza night’ all add up to one big donation on August 10th,” Garrard said.
Garrard said that Hoyt challenged Kentucky Wesleyan College’s alumni classes to donate and vote to see which Wesleyan class would donate the most.
“Good-hearted rivalries are always good when it comes to supporting a great cause like Boulware Mission,” Garrard said.
The couple has a goal of $5,000, but they hope to surpass that with their efforts.
Local artist and Studio Slant “sister” Mary Katherine Maddox is helping Casey Taylor and Josilyn Dunn raise money by hosting a step-by-step painting party at the Holiday Inn on July 25.
Titled, “Painting with the Stars,” Maddox said that a finished example of the pink flower artwork will be on display for the painting group, and she will be painting along with those attending.
“All supplies are included in the ticket price, so all you have to do is show up ready to have a good time,” Maddox said.
Maddox, who hosted paint parties at Studio Slant for several years, said although Studio Slant no longer offers painting parties, she was more than happy to donate their time for such a worthy cause.
“We were more than happy to dust off our brushes to help,” Maddox said.
More information for Painting with Our Stars is available on their Facebook page.
To view items in Hoyt and Garrard’s online auction, visit their Facebook page.
Dancing with Our Stars will be held Aug. 10 at the Owensboro Convention Center. Doors open at 5 p.m. and a sit-down dinner will be served at 6 p.m. The dance competition begins after dinner with six couples vying for the coveted trophy and one couple, Jeffrey Rhinerson and Amanda Owen serving as the Spotlight Couple.
All money raised in the event benefits Boulware Mission.
