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Sonoma Valley Hospital Foundation is bringing back its popular “Fall Frolic: Dancing with Our Stars” on Sunday, September 18, 5 p.m., at Sonoma Veterans Hall. The event, inspired by ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars,” lends a fun and interactive spin to fundraising.

Proceeds from the evening will help replace a 26 year old X-ray system. One of the Hospital’s two X-ray machines was installed in 1985, and after nearly three decades, it has reached the end of its life. Funds raised at this event will be used to purchase a new, state-of-the-art digital X-ray machine and help ensure the Hospital is able to continue offering this life-saving diagnostic service to the community.

The evening includes a buffet dinner, cocktails, Sonoma wines, a dance lesson by Gene Russo, dancing to the Richard Olsen Orchestra, and two auctions (silent and live) offering an impressive assortment of goods and getaways.

The event’s highlight will undoubtedly be the dance competition, which features eight Sonomans paired with professional or veteran dancers. The couples are “in it to win it” and have put in numerous hours in the dance studio perfecting their steps. Guests are in for an exciting show featuring the Waltz, Argentine Tango, Disco, Salsa and more.

This year’s line-up includes:

    * Michael Brown, M.D. and Elaina O’Malley
    * Sue Albano and Ed Dufault
    * Gayle Jenkins and Patrick Jude
    * Vinny Pacheco and Gabrielle von Stephens
    * David Pier and Phyllis Gurney
    * Denny Lane and Rhonda Guaraglia
    * Holly Kyle and Craig Atwood
    * Rebecca Hengehold and Dennis Goss

Julie Atwood and Ed Dufault, the reigning champions, will also perform. Choreographer Gene Russo once again brings his skills to the production, coaching the dancers as they prepare for the performance.

For more information or reservations, call Harmony Plenty at 935-5070. Tickets are $185/person until 8/18 and $200 thereafter. Sonoma Veterans Hall, 126 First Street West, Sonoma.

Source Suzie Rodriguez

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Dancing With the Stars planning committee meets at La Cabana to hash out the details of the upcoming fundraiser. In this picture (front row, left to right): Lisa Ledford, Richmond County Hospice Business Development Coordinator; Joan Beane; (back row) Lynn Clewis; Carolyne Ussery.
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The Dancing With the Stars committee has been meeting regularly since April, planning the next Richmond County Hospice fund raising extravaganza.

“Last year’s Dancing With the Stars was such an overwhelming success, we’re very excited about doing it again this year,” said Lisa Ledford, Richmond County Hospice Business Development Coordinator.

$15,000 was raised last year, and event organizers are hoping for another huge hit.

“All the money raised goes to patients and families being served by Richmond County Hospice,” said Ledford. “We are the only local, non-profit Hospice in the county.”

The committee is lining up “A Taste of Richmond,” spreads from several restaurants, to be served at the event. A wine tasting is also a possibility.

Tickets to attend the event are $60 per couple, or $35 for single tickets.

“We had a pretty packed house last year,” said Ledford. “People had so much fun they were asking us when the next one would be, as they were on their way out the door.”

This year’s event will be held on November 5, at Cole Auditorium.

There is no entree fee for dancers, but each team pledges to raise funds from sponsors.

Last years winners were Kimberly Harrington and Bruce Stanback, who did the Salsa to Pitbull’s song, “I Know You Want Me.”

“We had a fantastic time,” said Harrington. “I’m a big fan of the TV show, ‘Dancing with the Stars,’ so when I was approached to participate, I didn’t think twice. Bruce and I had one professional Salsa lesson and then created our own routine. It was thrilling to win the disco ball trophy, especially since it was for a good cause. My first experience with Hospice was with my stepfather in 1995. The concept of Hospice was new to us, but my family grew to appreciate the nature of the agency and developed close ties to the staff that have lingered through the years.”

A few of the contestants confirmed for this year are: Dr. Fred McQueen, and Layla Mabe - who are signed up to Tango; John and Sharon Hutchinson; Amy Simmons; and Susan Sellers.

“There are several more on the list who aren’t confirmed yet,” said Ledford. “And we are still recruiting!”

Any style of ballroom dancing is permitted in the contest. This includes dances like: Tango; Waltz; Rumba; Samba; Mambo; Foxtrot; and Cha Cha.

“Sharon Nichols, with Liberty Place, offers dance lessons to couples who want to participate,” Ledford said.

For more information on the event, contact Lisa Ledford at 910-997-4464.

Staff writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at (910) 997-3111 ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com

Source Kelli Easterling

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