After 567 days since the last event, community members and sponsors gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds for a historic night for Dancing with the STARs presented by Leaders Credit Union benefitting by The STAR Center.
Viewers from EPlusTV’s broadcast and Flatiron Grille’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 nurses to business owners, surgeons, school principals and realtors.
“This event serves as our largest fundraiser of the year, and after all this community has been through, we were so excited to be able to hit the dance floor on behalf of those we serve,” said Cassidy Sheppard, Manager of Marketing and Events for The STAR Center. “We had several clients in attendance and they were able to experience the love, excitement, and support from the community firsthand.”
The coveted mirror ball trophies were awarded to 2021 Dancing with the STARs Grand Champions, Carrie Brown-Campbell and Brian James. Carrie Brown is a full-time mom and instructor at The Fightshop, and her partner, Brian James, is the Director of Community Development at Healthy Community, LLC.
Carrie Brown and Brian’s performance brought Latin flavor to the dance floor with Jennifer Lopez’s, “Let’s Get Loud.” The winning couple’s choreographer is Carol Ann Williams. Carrie Brown and Brian also swept in the People’s Choice Award and brought in over $16,000.
Best Costume Award went to Angela Crocker and Trey Antwine for their outstanding look as Joker and Harley Quinn. The highest fundraiser (pre-event) award went to Angela Crocker, who brought in $5,100.
“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.”
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.
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.
“This event is successful because our West Tennessee community does what it has done for the last thirty-three years – supports the work of The STAR Center,” said Cassidy Sheppard, STAR Center Marketing/Events Manager, “Without donors, we would not be able to serve those in our community who are searching for hope.”
If you want 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.
Dancers – Choreographers
Kelly Christoferson and Jeremy Tubbs – Keith Davis
Marie Mahalati and Nick Arcuri – Alisa Hyrn
Mia Moore and Alex Camp – Nicole Hewitt Hicks
Angela Crocker and Trey Antwine – Anna Lax Gatti
Carrie Brown-Campbell and Brian James – Carol Ann Williams
Cheryl Tabor and Greg Alexander – Abby Britt
Toni Cathey and Clay Fowler – Iiuri Kora
Awards:
Mirror Ball Champions – Carrie Brown-Campbell and Brian
1st Runner Up – Mia and Alex
2nd Runner Up – Angela and Trey
People’s Choice – Carrie-Brown and Brian
Best Costume – Angela and Trey
Highest Fundraiser – Angela Crocker
(PHOTO: Mirror Ball Champions – Carrie-Brown Campbell, Brian James and choreographer Carol Ann Caldwell Williams)
