DANCING WITH OUR LOCAL
DENTON COUNTY SPOTLIGHT
STARS
U
by Caylie Howard | photos courtesy of Marci Pritts
nited 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
This gala is easily Denton County’s
celebrate local businesses and
the widely popular and hands-down
a thank-you event. It was a way to
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.
most anticipated event. It features
favorite event, Dancing with Our Stars
competition, which showcases a group of voted-in community volunteer dancers.
United Way’s signature gala
The event hosts 10 dancing pairs.
year and honors the local companies,
Woman's University’s Associate
celebrates successes from the past
employees, and community leaders
who made those successes possible.
14 | LANTANA LIVING | NOVEMBER 2021
These pairs train tirelessly with Texas 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. www.LiveLocalMagazines.com
