YMCA 1st Annual Dancing For Partners winner

THE WOODLANDS, Texas -- The 1st Annual YMCA Dancing for Partners with The Woodlands Stars was a show stopping success. The event, a spin-off of the popular television reality show Dancing with the Stars, featured 10 community stars each paired with a professional dancer from Affinity Ballroom Studio. The community leaders included Tom Cox Sr., Glenda Cox, Nick Wolda, Miguel Lopez, Amy Milstead, Judy Larson, Keith Chometsky, Diane Freeman, Stephanie Bryan and Donna Bramlett. Guests were also treated to a Showcase of Ballroom Dances presented by the professional dancers. The closing performance included the entire cast and “The South County Village People” Mark Cochran, Bret Strong, Byron Ellis, Garry Watts and Bruce Tough, performing the YMCA song.

The 1st and 2nd place winners were chosen by popular vote. The 2013 YMCA Dancing for Partners winner was Keith Chometsky representing Talisman Energy and his dance partner Irene Griffin and runner up was Mr. Tom Cox with Tom Cox homes and dance partner Michelle Jones. Special awards were chosen by mystery judges and the winners included:

Most Enthusiastic, Miguel Lopez and dance partner, Patricia Rochester

Best Costume, Diane Freeman and dance partner, Corey Decuire

Special Recognition, Amy Milstead and dance partner, Kimberly Piwtez

Crowd Pleaser Award, Judy Larson and dance partner, Raye Avery

Dancing for Partners is a charity event benefiting the annual YMCA Partners Campaign. Dollars raised for YMCA Partners, underwrite YMCA programs like child care, swim lessons, day camp, active older adults, sports, teen leadership and more. All of these Y services provide families in South Montgomery County with hope for a positive future and equip children with skills and core values. One hundred percent of the money raised for South Montgomery County YMCA stays within the local community. More than $50,000 was raised as a result of event sponsors, table sponsors, votes purchased and online donations supporting each dancer and the cause.

"No matter the size of the gift, every dollar donated to the Partners Campaign is an investment in the children in our community,” said Mark Cochran, Community Executive Director. “Thousands of stories and memories are created each day at a Y. Children experience their first swim lesson, sports activity or special camp moment at the YMCA. Families journey together through some of the most rewarding chapters of their lives while at the Y. We strive hard to turn no one away due to inability to pay. Everyone is welcome at the YMCA. We are very excited about the 1st Annual YMCA Dancing for Partners and the opportunities it will provide us to further our mission in the community.”

Sponsors for the inaugural event included Talisman Energy, Affinity Ballroom, MUNDAY Chevrolet, Kroger, Woodforest National Bank, Milstead Automotive and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital. For more information on being a dancer or sponsor for the 2014 YMCA Dancing for Partners “Presented by Talisman Energy” please contact Roxanne Davis, YMCA Community Liaison, 281-681-6723 or rdavis@ymcahouston.org.