Results of YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE

THE WOODLANDS, Texas--The 2nd Annual YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE with The Woodlands Stars on April 10th, at The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, was a show stopping success. The event, a spin-off of the popular television reality show Dancing with the Stars, featured 11 community stars each paired with a professional dancer from Affinity Ballroom Studio. The community stars included Daniel Yates with The Woodlands Waterway Marriott, Scott Clark with Kroger, John Powers with The Woodlands Township, Zach Richmond with Woodforest National Bank, Greg Parsons with The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Stefanie Romero with The Woodlands CVB, Krystle Riley with St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital, Ann Wolford with The Wolford Group, Theresa Nassif with The Woodlands Development Company, Christine Hale with RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring, and Micah Garrison representing Talisman Energy.

Special Group performances were presented by the YMCA Outreach Program Kids dancing to “Happy” and a standing ovation performance from the Bright Life Special Needs Groups from Branch Crossing YMCA performing to “Fireworks”. Guests were also treated to an encore classic ballroom dance performance by the 2013 Runner Up, Mr. Tox Cox, Sr. and his partner Michelle Jones. And then it was time for the pros to hit the pro with a Showcase of Ballroom Dances presented by Affinity Ballroom Studio. The final performance to the YMCA song featured the YMCA Village Ladies: Roxanne Davis, Linda Nelson, Donna Bramlett, Stephanie Bryan, Judy Larson, Amy Milstead, Rita Wiltz, Danna Furnace-Grimes, and Norma Lopez. Many of these ladies danced last year as community stars.

The 1st, 2nd and 3rd place winners were chosen by votes and total dollars raised. Yes, all votes were purchased! The 2014 YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE winner was Micah Garrison representing Talisman Energy and his dance partner Patricia F. Rochester; 2nd place winner was Theresa Nassif and dance partner Tony Smith; and runner up was Zach Richmond and dance partner Irene Griffin. Special awards were chosen by a panel of judges, who all danced last year as community stars: Keith Chometsky, Nick Wolda and Miguel Lopez.

Most Enthusiastic: Greg Parsons and dance partner, Laura Balmaceda

Best Costume: Stefanie Romero and dance partner, Aaron Lumpkin

Special Recognition: Ann Wolford and dance partner, Enzo Zappia

Crowd Pleaser Award: Krystle Riley and dance partner, Raye Avery

Judges Award: Theresa Nassif and dance partner, Tony Smith

Dancing for a CAUSE is a charity event benefiting the annual YMCA Annual Campaign. Dollars raised for the Annual Campaign, 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 $55,000 was raised as a result of event sponsors, table sponsors, live auction, votes purchased and online donations supporting each dancer and the cause.

"No matter the size of the gift, every dollar donated to the Annual Campaign is an investment in the children in our community,” said Mark Cochran, YMCA Regional Development 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 2nd Annual YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE and the opportunities it will provide us to further our mission in the community.”

Sponsors for the 2014 event included Talisman Energy, Affinity Ballroom, MUNDAY Chevrolet, Kroger, RE/MAX The Woodlands & Spring, The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center, Woodforest National Bank, Waste Connections, Benchmark Hospitality International, The Marriott, Bella Vista Productions, and St. Luke’s The Woodlands Hospital. A special thank you to Dana Tyson with Sunny 99.1FM who served as emcee for the evening.

For more information on being a dancer or sponsor for the 2015 YMCA Dancing for a CAUSE “Presented by Talisman Energy” please contact Roxanne Davis, YMCA Community Liaison.