After five-and-a-half months since the last event, community members and sponsors gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds for an historic night when ‘Dancing with the STARs’ presented by Leaders Credit Union benefited The STAR Center.
The coveted mirror ball trophies were awarded to 2021 Dancing with the STARs Grand Champions, Lauren Pritchard Cobb and Tim Dyer. Lauren Pritchard Cobb is a singer-songwriter, and her partner, Tim Dyer, is the Director of Operations at Lifeline Blood Services.
Lauren and Tim’s performance brought the crowd to their feet with their tap-dancing routine taking the audience through the 1920s to the 2000s.
Viewers from EPlusTV’s broadcast and Hub City Brewing’s watch party were glued to the screen as The STAR Center’s largest fundraiser came to fruition. The event featured seven couples that ranged from physicians to business owners, salespeople, basketball coaches, and realtors.
“There were some nerves about doing another event this year, but we know Jackson, and they showed up again,” said Cassidy Sheppard, Manager of Marketing and Events for The STAR Center. “For over 33 years, this community has supported people with disabilities and their impact is felt across the region.
Sheppard said the winning couple’s choreographer was Caroline Meinert.
Kelly Cox and Brandon Buchanan took home the People’s Choice Award bringing in over $23,000.
Best Costume Award went to Brittany Harris and Heath Ladd. The highest fundraiser (pre-event) award went to Erica King, who raised $10,793.
“It is one of the hottest tickets in town,” said Dave Bratcher, STAR Center President. “There are many corporate sponsors to recognize, including our Presenting Sponsor, Leaders Credit Union.” This event is successful because our West Tennessee community does what it has done for the last 33 years – supports the work of The STAR Center.”
Sheppard said without donors, The STAR Center would not be able to serve those in the community who are searching for hope.
“Whether STAR is serving children who are non-verbal helping them find their voice or helping individuals with a disability find employment, the mission of The STAR Center is what drives the teams to fundraise and prepare for the competition,” Sheppard said, “We consistently hear how our dancers have pushed through what they thought were limitations. Donations make it possible for people that come to The STAR Center to turn their challenges into opportunities and rise above their circumstances.”
Sheppard said if you would like to catch a replay of Dancing with the STARs presented by Leaders Credit Union, viewers can go to EplusTV6.com to watch or see the replay schedule.
Dancing with the STARs continues to break records and October 21, 2021, will go down as the largest fundraising event in The STAR Center’s 33-year history,” Sheppard said.
Dancers
Brittany Harris and Heath Ladd
Cami Hansbrough and Ron Tharpe
Carolyn Cunningham and Russ Ellis
Elly Riley and Dexter Williams
Kelly Cox and Brandon Buchanan
Lauren Cobb and Tim Dyer
Lori Weir and Frank McMeen
Awards:
Mirror Ball Champions – Lauren Pritchard Cobb and Tim Dyer
1st Runner Up – Carolyn Cunningham and Russ Ellis
2nd Runner Up – Cami Hansbrough and Ron Tharpe
People’s Choice – Kelly Cox and Brandon Buchanan
Best Costume – Brittany Harris and Heath Ladd
Highest Fundraiser – Erica King
(PHOTO: Mirror Ball Champions – Lauren Pritchard Cobb and Tim Dyer – courtesy Only Photography)
