The Disco Shirt that Changed the World of Dance!

Photography by Tim Motley for Grand Rapids Social Diary

It has been two weeks since my infamous debut on the Dancing with the Make-A-Wish Stars event. Wow, what a terrific experience on many levels! I enjoyed myself to the point of actually missing the practices and the jitters of finally getting on stage in front of hundreds of people cheering you on. The enthusiasm of the audience was electrifying and it helped us amateur performers with our confidence.

I finished second to the dazzling performance by Peter Stuursma who deserved kudos for his charismatic stage presence. But truly, all the dancers deserve awards for devoting their time and their personal pride to raise awareness and funding for West Michigan Make-A-Wish Foundation. 

My sincere compliments to Molly Thompson, my professional dance partner, for enduring the task of teaching this neophyte how to disco and swing on stage. Molly, you're the best! My hats off to Casey Reed, owner of Salsalogy Dance Academy for all the support and patience with us dancers. Casey and Molly, you definitely pulled off one heck of a show.

I highly recommend attending this event next year for the production of the event is world class. To producer Cara Ontiveros, how can anyone top this event? From funniest intro video ever to the theatrical lighting and staging to all the million details that come with an event like this. To Blue Water Technologies for providing all the audio visual  and for doing miracles to make us dancers look good on stage. And to Elie Andrus and the board of directors for Make-A-Wish, for the constant support and genuine enthusiasm for the program. 

Finally, I am overwhelmed from the outpouring of support from my family and friends. One of my goals for the event was to raise the most money for Make-A-Wish, and yes, we did! To this day, the donations still keep coming! That is incredible. I am very humbled and grateful to have been a part of this wonderful event.

Thank you to all my Rock Star Donors and Supporters:

Don "Big Daddy" MacKenzie

Tami Sytsma

Dr. Julie Blanco

Merlotti Family

Alticor Corporate Enterprises

Doug Dozeman

Curt Wells

Rockford Construction

Wolverine Power Marketing Cooperative

Candace Matthews

Tom Haas

John Bultema

Blaire Sharpe

Marcie Lewis
Rosy Lo Piparo
Becky & Drew Chuba
Kurt Lacks
Ryan Lacks

Blue Pearl Customer Strategies

Philip Streng

Janet Korn

Becky Ernst

Michael Ramirez

Jeanne Englehart

Dan Clappison

Steve Glass

Michael De Meyer

Mike Hughes

Bud Deppe

Audrey and Josh Depenbrok

Jennifer Crowley

Azizah Hines

Julie and Greg Hoelscher

MUSE Boutique

Jim and Barb Weaver

Frank Sorochinsky

Dan Dershem

Mike Bigford

David Nichol

Fritz Beirmeister

John Hare

Van Edgerton

Nancy Ayres

Bob Herr

Bob Koch

Mark Michon

Anonymous

Ahh, yes...here's the much anticipated video.