Dancing with the Stars only grows in impact

October 19, 2016 · 0 Comments

The 2nd Annual Dancing with the Stars supporting Easter Seals is in the books.
What a successful and impactful event it has become.
A record amount of dollars was raised for this event, in only its second year in our community. I had the absolute privilege in participating in last year’s event as a dancer…sort of…and was asked to work with the folks at Easter Seals along with my good friend Paul Dutton to help create this year’s version.
It’s such a unique event. It takes the participants out of their comfort zone, creates a level of anxiety and pressure (all self-inflicted). For me, it is such a great example of the power of people and what is possible when “good people” step up and are involved.
The sky is the limit and it was surpassed at Dancing with the Stars 2016. The primary responsibility for Paul and I is to put together the team of community volunteers that will make up the team of dancers for this year. The dance instructors who, by the way, donate the equivalent of more than 100 dance lessons throughout the lead up to the event are such amazing people.
It starts with Patrick, Anastasia and Kelly.
These three young entrepreneurs who own and operate the Artisitica Ballroom Dance Studio in Aurora, apart from being incredibly talented, are three of the finest individuals I have ever met.
The constant theme from anyone who has connected with them over these past two years this fundraiser has existed, is that they are just “good people.” Then you add to that eight well known individuals from the community who have a track record of giving back.
These folks are widely recognized, without exception, as simply “good people.” Throw in some other volunteers who act as judges and are, you guessed it, known as “good people”, and magic happens.
It’s the secret formula to success. Of anything. So, as proud as I am of what has been accomplished in support of Easter Seals and the ability to now send 50 kids to a very special camp, I’m equally as excited about the accomplishment made because of the generosity of the human spirit and the power of what can be accomplished when you have a posse of “good people” involved.
Congratulations to all those involved (the Dancers) Nikki Pett, Andrea Peterson, Jennifer Buchanan, Lindsay Strom, Brian North, Tony DiPede, Rob Clark and Chris Emanuel (the Judges) Tim Jones, Derek Murray, Jackie Playter and Paul Dutton.
Feel great about what you’ve done and let’s take this model to move forward in support of our community and those who need our help. You guys rock! Thanks to everyone who contributed their financial support to help exceed the collective goal and send some very important people to a life-changing camp experience.

Steve Hinder
Aurora

(Editor’s note: It should be noted here that Mr. Hinder also ably served as the evening’s Master of Ceremonies)