Six local celebrities can now add “dancer” to their resumes as part of the second annual Dancing with the Rutland Stars event to benefit Kids on the Move and the Pediatric Hi-Tech program, both programs of the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice. Organized by the Friends of Kids on the Move and presented by WJJR. The event raised over $15,000.
“The Friends of Kids on the Move were looking for a new event to raise not only vital funds but also awareness of the program,” said Carrie Allen, event chair of the decision to host the first Dancing with the Rutland Stars. After the success of last year’s program, the 14-person planning committee, led by Allen was excited to continue the event in 2012. Celebrities and their professional dance partners began rehearsing in the summer and practiced for weeks before the live performance. Terry Jaye and Judy Anderson from WJJR donated their time to serve as emcee and Mitch Rosengarten, Nanci Gordon and Mary Fran Skaza provided colorful commentary and served as judges for the contest.
Each dancer was awarded special recognition like best choreography and most entertaining, but top honors went to Attorney John Valente of Ryan Smith & Carbine, Ltd and his spirited tribute to disco. Valente was paired with Gina Pezzetti from Miss Lorraine’s School of Dance.
2nd place honors went to T.J. Sabotka, CPA and partner at O’Brien Shortle Reynolds & Sabotka, paired with Shelby Jones of Cobra Gymnastics and Dance Center. 3rd place was awarded to Rutland City Mayor Christopher Louras and his dance partner, Gayle Lang of All About Dance @ Grand Performance Studio. The stylishly proficient award went to Joan Gamble, Strategic Change Consultant at Green Mountain Power and a fashion consultant for L.A. based fashion designer, Carol Anderson and her partner Leif Erickson. Best choreography went to Eric Mallette, Program Director at the Paramount Theatre and his partner, Tara Bombardier of Centre Dance and best costuming honors went to Michael Coppinger, Executive Director of the Downtown Partnership and his dance partner, Ana DiTursi of Just Dance and Ana’s Empanadas.
Kids on the Move and the Pediatric Hi-Tech program are a part of the broad range of healthcare services provided by the Rutland Area Visiting Nurse Association & Hospice (RAVNAH) to children and families. From pre-natal care to newborn home visits; to pediatric rehabilitation services and comprehensive case management for medically fragile children with hi-tech care needs, RAVNAH’s multi-disciplinary team provides services that make a lasting difference for families each year.
