Dancing With Our Local Stars

DANCING

WITH OUR LOCAL STARS

by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Marci Pritts

United Way is committed to bettering and assisting Denton County through multiple events year-round that aid in the overall mission to give back. This year, United Way is celebrating 10 years of its annual event, Dancing with Our Stars. And once again, the organization is giving back to the community one dance at a time. twinkle toes,” said Kristin Jones, United Way’s Director of Development.

This friendly dance competition is the centerpiece of United Way’s UNITED tribute entertainment. Dancing with Our Stars features fun, well-loved individuals from our local community nominated by our beloved Denton County residents. Each volunteer's participation helps United Way raise awareness and funds to assist and properly serve children, families, Veterans, the homeless, and individuals affected by mental illness.

One of the special events at this annual gala is the unveiling of the Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award. This special award is dedicated to one Denton County community volunteer who has been an active community leader and is selfless with their time and financial resources. “The recipient is purposeful in helping others and promoting human welfare and has been actively engaged in the community with a service record of longevity,” Jones said. “They are caring and compassionate and inspire others in service for the good of the community. The honoree demonstrates persistence toward improving and transforming lives within the community. The recipient has a long-standing history of working with the United Way and our network of partners for the good of the community.”

Dancing with Our Stars started as a thank-you event. It was a way to celebrate local businesses and the people of Denton County who selflessly give back throughout the year. And it didn't take long for officials to notice that it was taking off.

United Way’s signature gala celebrates successes from the past year and honors the local companies, employees, and community leaders who made those successes possible. This gala is easily Denton County’s most anticipated event. It features the widely popular and hands-down favorite event, Dancing with Our Stars competition, which showcases a group of voted-in community volunteer dancers.

The event hosts 10 dancing pairs. These pairs train tirelessly with Texas Woman's University’s Associate Professor of Dance, Gladys Keeton. “She turns our amateur dancers into Past recipients of the Dr. Bettye Myers Humanitarian Award have been Denton County Judge Andy Eads, Mayor Chris Watts, Ellen Painter, Bobbie Mitchell, Bill Patterson, Mark and Debbie Merki, Stan Morton, Joe and Jane Mulroy, as well as Dr. Bettye Myers herself. This award has been presented since 2013.

The 10th annual Dancing with Our Stars event will be held on Saturday, January 15th. You can purchase tickets and tables for this event online at unitedwaydenton.org/united tribute.