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‘Dancing With the Rockford Stars’ Nov. 23 T By Peggy Werner he red carpet will roll out for “Old Hollywood Glam,” the theme of this year’s Dancing with the Rockford Stars fundraiser for Family Counseling Services (FCS). Six couples will step up to the challenge of not only making the right moves, but also of raising money to benefit others. The 12th annual event is the largest annual fundraiser for FCS and will take place at 6 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at Giovanni’s Restaurant and Conference Center, 610 N. Bell School Road. Highlights include dinner, dancing, music and a live auction which features a piece of jewelry from Anthony Alexander Diamonds, a one-week Florida condo stay and more than 120 other items like spa days, sports memorabilia and artwork. Stan Goral, FCS board member and chairman of the event planning committee, says interest in the event has grown
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Smart Living Weekly
each year. Dancers raise money by getting friends and family to sponsor them. “The more people they know, the more likely they are to walk away as winners. Every dollar raised is a vote in their favor,” he says. Luxe Productions will transform the Giovanni’s ballroom with spot, strobe and flashing lights to highlight the dancers’ performances. The dance floor will open up for all to enjoy following the competition. The dancers compete not only for sponsors, but for one of two trophies: the Judge’s Choice Award for the best dancers and The People’s Choice Award for the couple that raises the most money. FCS, 631 N. Longwood St., provides counseling, psychotherapy and family life education to individuals and families in Winnebago, Boone and Ogle counties. Their programs reflect a belief that
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early intervention prevents small problems from becoming worse. FCS offers services on a sliding fee scale, based on income. With no government funding, FCS relies on client fees, insurance, fundraisers, grants and contributions. FCS Executive Director Dr. Susan Johnson says the money raised will be used to supplement the cost of counseling for people who otherwise can’t afford it or are not insured. In existence for 142 years, FCS was approved to start taking Medicaid patients two years ago and this year more Medicaid services were approved. From July 1 to Oct. 7 of this year, the agency saw 250 clients, 150 more people than during the same period last year. The Boone County office at 860 Biester Dr. in Belvidere also saw an increase. “We see all kinds of people having all kinds of problems, including relationship
