It’s that time of year again, Owensboro, when community stars will be slipping on their dance shoes to shimmy for a good cause, the Boulware Mission, Inc.
In 2013, the Mission introduced “Dancing With Our Stars – Owensboro Style.” The event was a sell-out success and is now in its third year. The 2014 event raised over $60,000, which nearly paid for the utilities of the facility for an entire year.
Old National Bank Market President and 2014 Dancing with our Stars Mirrorball Champion, Wade Jenkins, said “Old National Bank is excited to partner with Boulware Mission as the presenting sponsor of Dancing With Our Stars – Owensboro Style. We are pleased to support them and their work in providing critical services and programs for our community. This premier event is a fantastic way to spend an evening while supporting a terrific cause.”
Leigha Taylor, Director of Development for Boulware, said, “We are not federally funded, and we rely on the kindness of our community to operate. We have continued to see the Owensboro area embrace Dancing With Our Stars.”
Boulware Mission is a homeless shelter that not only provides emergency shelter services, but more importantly, addresses the root causes that have led people into homelessness. Boulware’s Self-Sufficiency program assists individuals with financial literacy, substance abuse treatment, job skills, education, healthy living, general life skills and more by providing clients with the tools they need to become independent, contributing members of the community. In 2014, Boulware Mission served 324 residential homeless clients.
Trying to create a new and exciting way to bring in the funds necessary to operate the Mission, the first year proved a challenge as several people that were asked to participate declined because of fear or conflicts in scheduling. After the event proved successful, people now approach them willing to help by giving their time and talents.
This year’s stars include:
KYLE AUD, Vice President of Commercial Lending for Independence Bank. His partner, Sara Mills, is a Sourcing Specialist for Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP and has a broad background in cheerleading, gymnastics and multi-genre dance.
TARA ESTES is a Client Service Associate for The Settle Group of Hilliard Lyons and performed at Goldie’s Opry House for 18 years. Her partner, Joey Barr, a ballroom dancer, works as a Tooling Specialist at Premium Allied Tool and led his partner to the championship in the first annual event.
SHELLY GLENN is Vice President and Mortgage Lender for Old National Bank. Her dance partner, Dan Prow, is a Technician/Operator at SABIC Innovative Plastics and a licensed Zumba instructor.
DON P MOORE III is the President of Don Moore Automotive Group. His dance partner, Ely Arias-Agudo, the 2014 Champion dancer, is a full-time teller for First Security Bank and the reigning Mirrorball champion; she recently opened her own studio, Ely’s Dance Fitness.
JUSTIN WEAVER is the Manager of Service & Operations and Purchaser for Welborn Floral Company. His partner, Laura Ruth Edge, is the President and Interior Designer for L. Ruth Interior Design; Laura Ruth won the Mirrorball as the celebrity dancer in the first annual event and has switched roles for this year’s competition.
JASON WORTH is the President of Worth Insurance Group, Inc. His partner, Brittany Eirwin-Maqueda, is a Dentist at Braun Dental Associates and a Zumba instructor at Ely’s Dance Fitness.
The couples met in late March and began preparing for the August 8th competition. Each pair is responsible for choreography, dance style, music and costumes. Though the event requires a big commitment from all involved, the spirit of helping their community is the participants’ main priority, and they dance into the heart of the community on behalf of Boulware Mission.
The semi-formal event begins with a red carpet welcome and photos, as well as the 2014 Champions showcasing their winning dance number. The event is emceed by Aaron Mason, a dear friend of the Mission. There will be open dancing for event goers, as well as the much-anticipated routines prepared by the six celebrity couples.
No tickets are sold at the door, but those interested are welcome to phone Boulware Mission to see if there are tickets still available. Another way to support the event is by voting for your favorite celebrity online for $20 each at www.LetsDanceOwensboro.com
until August 7, or come to the Mission, pay your dollar (or more!) and vote for your favorite local celebrity.
Dance on over to www.BoulwareMission.org and see how you can help this compassionate mission continue to serve others in our community.
