Local version of Dancing with the Stars to raise funds for Project ReNeWal

Currently in its 27th season, the ABC television series Dancing with the Stars has been entertaining audiences for 13 years and it has now spurred a local version with public figures prepared to put on their dancing shoes to help raise fund for a domestic violence program serving Walton, Newton, and Rockdale. Project ReNeWal is a not for profit 501 c 3 domestic violence intervention program that provides emergency shelter, crisis support and services to victims of domestic and family violence. It has an annual budget of more than $700,000 and was looking for new and innovative ways to raise the funds.  

“Each year, our Executive Board of Directors plans and completes an annual fund-raising event. In the last 18 years our major event has been a golf outing at Cherokee Run in Conyers,” said Vickie Stevenson, executive director of Project Renewal. “However, this year we are also planning a Dancing with the Stars of Project ReNeWal event at Porter Performing Arts Center in Covington on Feb. 16, 2019.  This event will consist of local dignitaries performing dances that have been choreographed by local dance professionals in order to raise funds for the shelter.  It promises to be a fun-filled night that will show off the talents of local shelter supporters.”

Representing Walton County are the dynamic duos of Monroe Mayor John Howard who will be partnering with his daughter, Anna Howard, as well as Social Circle Police Chief Tyrone Oliver and his wife, Aimee, who will be instructed by Dawn Wells. Also in the Walton County line up are Monroe police officer Lt. Brent David and Jennifer Helton Sarver (mother of fallen hero Lt. Joseph Helton) and Loganville Mayor Ray Martinez who will be getting some dance instruction from Bianca Giselle.

Newton County comes in with some star power of its own with Dr. Steven and Kathy Whitworth and Sen. Tonya Anderson to name a few. And not to be left out, Rockdale County also has its dance champions hopefuls with names like District Attorney Alicia Johnson and Claire Cline.

Dance schools and other dance instructors have offered their expertise to make sure that on the big night the dancers don’t disappoint. But you can get in on the action and support your favorite dance duo well before that. The teams will soon begin meeting with their dance instructors for practice sessions and those will be videoed and shared on the Project Renewal Facebook Page. They also will be shared here on Your Local News for you to click through and find where you can offer your financial support for your favorite team. The local dancer celebrities also will be finding sponsors in advance of the big finale. A few of the dancers got to meet with their coaches recently as well as some of the competitors they will be dancing off against. It promises to be an eventful and exciting couple of months as they learn the dance routines and rally supporters to the cause.

Look for more information to be shared, along with the videos, as the big finale approached. Follow the Facebook Page to keep up with information on the event and check out the website for more information on the services of Project ReNeWal.