DANCE THE NIGHT AWAY

AN ART WALK WONDER

The recent Florida Fun Mini Match, a ballroom dancing competition, bene ts the Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.

// WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY RONALD W. WETHERINGTON

At January’s Florida Fun Mini Match, the atmosphere was electric as amateur, professional and youth ballroom dancers competed for awards and cash prizes. The Florida Fun Mini Match is presented by Mary K. Thomas, owner of EQUIstaff.com, FastTrack Staffing and Dance, Dance, Dance Studio. This year Ms. Thomas was assisted by professional ballroom dancer Ekaterina Derevieva of Jacksonville, Florida. The event benefits Ocala’s Marion Therapeutic Riding Association.

“Marion Therapeutic Riding Association is incredibly grateful for the continued partnership and support that Mary Thomas and the Florida Fun Mini Match provide for our programming each year,” says Jenna Rovira, MTRA’s development director. “Not only is the Florida Fun Mini Match a really exciting and fun competition, but it helps MTRA raise awareness about the challenges children and adults face daily and the unique services we provide in our community. In 2020, the Florida Fun Mini Match helped provide 250 therapeutic riding lessons. There are no words to express our gratitude.”

The event would not have been possible without the support of its generous sponsors, which include Ocala Breeder’s Sales Company, GFA Medical Marketing President/CEO Bernadeth “Bern” Paraiso, Dr. and Mrs. David Lammermeier and Marcellas Richardson of Royal Décor.

To make a donation or to volunteer, visitmtraocala.org.