Dancing With Your Local Stars: Putting the FUN back in Fundraising

On May 20, 2008, Tri-City Health Center’s “Dancing With Your Local Stars” fundraiser hit another high note as one of the most fun-filled FUNdraising events in the tri-cities area.  For the third year in a row, this unique event has been held at The Saddle Rack, generously donated by Niles Rotarian Gary Robinson.  Patterned after the popular TV show, local business and civic leaders are paired with professional ballroom dance instructors for a lively evening of dance competition.  Energetic audience participation makes for a memorable, high-energy night.  Ballroom dancing at a Country Western Club…what could be more fun? 

Eight Brave Dancers

Eight local celebrities unleashed their inner child to learn the sultry moves of Salsa, Swing, and Tango, and professional dance instructors opened their hearts and studios to provide dance lessons free of charge.   Everyone used the same music for the Salsa and Swing.  Each couple danced with such glee and individual style that it was a pleasure watching -- and cheering – after each number.   We saw hidden talents exposed on the dance floor….Who knew there was a closet dancer hidden inside that quiet guy??  How about those daring dips in that tight, short, dress?? 

Local Celebrities 2008:

This year’s dancers included: Martha Anderson, Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Russell Bender, A Plus Art & Frame, Dominic Dutra, Dutra,  Cero and Graden, Anu Natarajan, Fremont City Council member, Hollman Perez, Newark Unified School District, Manuel Rodriguez, Greater San Jose Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Mikelyn Stacey, Dean, Ohlone College, and Lena Zee, Intero Real Estate Services.  Emcee was Daren Young, Dryco Construction, Inc, and our judges panel included Kim Douglas, President, Board of Directors, Tri-City Health Center, KK Kaneshiro, Fremont Chamber of Commerce, and Gary Robinson, Owner, The Saddle Rack.  Huge Thanks to all our Local Celebrities!

Members of the business community have consistently supported the event, from attending in large numbers rooting for their favorite dancers, to providing critical in-kind donations.  For example, all floral arrangements and dancer bouquets were generously donated by Lisa and Dirk Lorenz, of Fremont Flowers.  The fabulous balloons decorating the stage were donated by Jim Herget of Ballooneytoons.  The food was a community effort, generously provided by Carrino’s Italian Grill, Federicos Café, La Pinata, Sala Thai, Sweet Tomatoes, Cherry Garden, Maharlika’s Philippino Restaurant, Vintage Catering, Vienna Bakery, and Dreyers Grand Ice Cream.  Underscoring the growing popularity, ‘local celebrities’ from previous years usually return for a variety of positions, such as Judge, Emcee, or other key roles, just to remain part of the event.  Emcee Daren Young, owner of Dryco Construction, Inc., has participated three years in a row.  He was the Winning Local Celebrity in 2006, a Judge in 2007, and in 2008 he returned to serve as Emcee.  “Tri-City provides a tremendous service to our community serving uninsured families, and offering affordable access to healthcare for those who need it most” he said. “I’m happy to participate next year, too.  With a few tweaks, we can kick this up a notch, and raise some real money for you guys!” 

So who won? 

Dominic Dutra, past Fremont City Councilman and his professional partner Joallyn Bohn, were the winning couple.  After an impressive Salsa and Swing and a dynamic Tango, they clinched the title of King and Queen of the Ballroom. 

This year, despite a sluggish economy, the event raised over $23,000, all of which supports the programs and services offered by Tri-City Health Center.  Kathy Lievre, CEO and Executive Director of Tri-City Health Center, is pleased with the results.  “Community-based health clinics such as Tri-City Health Center often look to the community to help fill the financial gap when faced with budget and funding crises.  I’m especially grateful to the local businesses, restaurants, and other social service agencies in our community for their continued support”.

Dancing With Your Local Stars has indeed become a signature event for Tri-City Health Center.

Y’all come next year, y’hear??  Kick up your heels and join the fun!

Huge thanks to our Sponsors, who generously contributed to our success!

Balloonytoons	Kaiser Permanente
Central Chevrolet	Barbara Varnell, Pacific National Bank
Community Health Center Network	Pat’s Health Matters Cable Show
Dryco Construction, Inc	Roger Shanks, Roger Shanks Consulting
Fremont Chamber of Commerce	The Saddle Rack
Fremont Education Foundation	Unitek College
Fremont Flowers	Wells Fargo

Thank you to our generous Auction Donors. We hope you also appreciate their community support and will give them your business

3A Pet Sitting	Dog/Pet Sitting
ABC Chauffeured Limousines	2 Giants tickets
American Musical Theater-SJ	Two tickets
Beck’s Steak House	(2) $25 gift cards
Berkeley Repertory Theater	Two tickets
Best Buy	$25 Gift Card
Claim Jumper Restaurant	$20 Gift cert
Cloverleaf Family Bowl	Bowling Party (10 guests)
Elephant Grill and Bar	$25 gift certificate
Eulipia Restaurant and Bar	Gift Cert. for 2
Fabulous Faces	Gift Cert. & Products
Face Appeal	$60 Facial
Fremont Beauty College	(4) mani & pedi gift cards
Fremont Park Golf & Practice	Golf Gift Certificate
Fremont Professional Massage	Swedish Massage
Fremont Symphony	4 Tix to Nutcracker 2008
Gift Gallery	Personalized Apron
Harriet’s Healing Hands	In home 1 hr. massage
Sonia Hebert	Walking With God banner
Hilton Newark/Fremont	2 nights stay
iHop	5 $20 gift cards
JVA Business Services	BBQ tool set
Jarrett, Billy D.	Signed Memoir/Book
Kathy’s Floral Design	Fresh Flower Arrangement
La Quinta Inn & Suites	2 night’s accommodations
LeMans Karting –Fremont	(2) adult passes
BlockBuster	Family gift certificate
Little Cesars Pizza	Gift Basket
Malibu Grand Prix	4 Miniature Golf Passes
Marriott Hotel	One night stay for 2
Martin’s Beauty Supply	Gift Basket
Miki Fujita	Jewelry
Millenium Salon	Gift cert. & product
Navlets Garden Center	Gift Card
Office Depot	(2) $25 gift cards
Outback Steakhouse	(4) $25 gift certificates
Peet’s Coffee & Teas	Gift bags of coffee
Regan Nursery	Gift certificate
REI	Outdoor Activity for (6)
Round Table Pizza	4 gift certificates
San Jose Sharks	Signed Hockey Puck
Skin Fitness Day Spa	Massage Gift Certificates
Southwest Airlines	(2) Tickets “Fly Anywhere”
Studio One	(2) One Hr. Facials ($55)
Supper Suppers	(2) gift certificates
Sunol Valley Golf Course	4 player passes
TCHC Board Member	Original, signed painting
Vida Y Vino Wine Bistro	Gift Basket
Visual Image Salon	Gift certificates plus products
Weekenders Fashions	Fashion Outfit
Udderly Creative Marketing	Personalized photo blanket

Live Auction Gifts:

Weibel, Fred	Private Yacht-Delta Cruise
White Crane Winery & Saddle Rack	Wine Tasting Party for 10 Limo & Driver
Stephanie and Bob Redell	Tahoe Luxury Vacation Home
Gary Robinson, The Saddle Rack	Dinner & Bo Bice Concert tickets

Black Angus Steakhouse	Federico’s Café	Sweet Tomatoes
Carrino’s Italian Grill	La Pinata	Vienna Bakery
Cherry Garden	Maharlika Restaurant	Vintage Catering
Chipotle Mexican Grill	Sala Thai Restaurant