Community members and sponsors gathered at the Jackson Fairgrounds for the 7th annual ‘Dancing with the STARs,’ presented by Leaders Credit Union benefitting The STAR Center, Saturday.
The coveted mirror ball trophies were awarded to 2022 Dancing with the STARs Grand Champions, Jonathan Pounds and Marda Wallace.
Jonathan Pounds is a banker with Regions Bank and his dance partner, Marda Wallace, is a city councilwoman with the City of Jackson.
Jonathan and Marda’s “thrilling” performance had the crowd on their feet as they brought a rendition of Michael Jackson’s Thriller to life. The winning couple’s choreographer is Nicole Hewitt Hicks.
Viewers from EPlusTV’s broadcast were glued to the screen as The STAR Center’s largest fundraiser came to fruition. The event featured eight couples that ranged from civil servants to business owners, salespeople, coaches, and realtors.
“The people of Jackson are amazing, and they showed up again,” said Cassidy Spencer, Vice President Development, Marketing and Events for The STAR Center. “For over thirty-four years, this community has supported people with disabilities and their impact is felt across the state.”
Jonathan and Marda also took home the People’s Choice Award and brought in over $29,500. Best Costume Award went to Hunter Ross and Collene Commage.
The highest fundraiser (pre-event) award went to Erica King, who brought in a record breaking $12,155. The new award this year, Hustle Award, went to Ashley Wilson.
“Once again Dancing with the STARS has proven to be highly anticipated event in West Tennessee,” said Jennifer Graves, STAR Center President. This event allows the STAR Center to serve more than 4,000 individuals with disabilities each year.
“There are many corporate sponsors to recognize, including our Presenting Sponsor, Leaders Credit Union. We are so grateful to the people of West Tennessee who continue to support The STAR Center and our clients who work hard every day to #CrushTheNo.”
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
Erica King and John Payne
Collene Commage and Hunter Ross
Ashley Wilson and Allen Ervin
Dawn Garofalo and Rob Cantrell
Lauren Kirk and Carson Kisner
Kimberly Kimble Butler and Jameson Colbert
Marda Wallace and Jonathan Pounds
Jodi Burgess and Taylor Risley
Awards
Mirror Ball Champions – Jonathan Pounds and Marda Wallace
1st Runner Up – John Payne and Erica King
2nd Runner Up – Allen Ervin and Ashley Wilson
People’s Choice – Jonathan Pounds and Marda Wallace
Best Costume – Hunter Ross and Collene Commage
(PHOTO: Mirror Ball Champions – Jonathan Pounds and Marda Wallace – courtesy Only Photography)
