Joanne Taylor/Clarendon Citizen
Clarendon’s Stars dance Aug. 21
Dancing with the Stars has become a national phenomenon for the ABC Network.
And now, Clarendon County is about to host its own version.
Hopefully the judges won’t be a haughty Brit like Len Goodman or an over-the-top Italian Bruno Toniolli.
Though maybe one of the judges will be as beautiful as Carrie Ann Inaba.
But you can be sure that Dancing with the Clarendon Stars will be no less exciting as the television hit.
And right here at home, it is all for two very good causes – Clarendon Habitat for Humanity and Turbeville’s Free Will Children’s Home.
Here’s how it works:
There are 15 (brave souls) notable Clarendon stars who have partnered with professional dancers and will raise money by collecting $10 votes cast by credit card at the event’s website, clarendoncountydancingwiththestars.com, in person by cash or check at the Town of Turbeville Town Hall or at the Clarendon Citizen, or by attending the performance night gala, at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 21, at the Cypress Center in Manning.
Tickets for the event are $75 each or $100 for two tickets. Group tables and sponsorships are also available.
“The performance night event will feature heavy hors d’oeuvres and an open bar, as well as star performances accompanied by a live orchestra,” said Turbeville Community Association member Cheryl Wingard, who chairs the event. “We had seen this done in Myrtle Beach and truly believed that this was something that would work in Clarendon County.”
The Association was unanimous in their decision to benefit the Children’s Home and Habitat for Humanity.
“This community is a long time supporter of the Children’s Home and the outstanding work they do here,” said Turbeville Town Administrator Pat Goodwin, also one of the dancing stars. “We are excited in that we will soon build our first Habitat home in Turbeville and certainly wanted to support that effort.”
The roster of “dancing stars” will guarantee entertainments for everyone.
From public officials (Kevin Johnson, Pat Goodwin, Matt Evans, Benton Blakely, Dwight Stewart, Pete Surrette, Melissa Wingard) to business leaders (Lorre Coker, Maxilyn Lee, Todd Ham, Ed Frye, Ashley Wheeler) to educators (Bertie Nesbitt and Mary Margaret McCaskill), each will, along with their professional partners, bring a unique and exciting turn to Dancing with the Stars.
When Clarendon County Sheriff Randy Garrett had to bow out due to a foot injury, his colleague and friend to Clarendon County, Florence Sheriff Kenny Boone stepped in as his proxy.
Two local dance professionals will also fill the bill – Dixie Elliott of Carolina Dance Academy will dance with Dwight Stewart and Donna Prothro of The Dancer’s Workshop will dance with Ed Frye. Both pairings guarantee an outstanding show.
Other stars will dance with professionals from around the region.
Pat Goodwin, who is learning the rumba, has been traveling to Myrtle Beach twice a week to learn his routine.
“It will be like no rumba you have ever seen,” he declares.
This unique event promises to delight and entertain, all for two very good causes.
Tickets are available at the Clarendon County Chamber of Commerce, the Turbeville Town Hall or the Turbeville Hardware and Gift Shop.
For more ticket or voting information, group sales or sponsorships, contact Pat Goodwin at (843) 659- 2781.
