AND THE WINNER IS … The 19 United Way Agencies

mrandolphadvance@gmail.com

The United Way Agencies gained $13,250 in funds raised by attendees of the Power of The Purse’s Dancing For the Stars, which showcases leaders in the community in a fun dance competition. The event raises funds for these agencies and rewards Power of the Purse members for their contributions.

This year Elizabeth Colston and Nick Hood in a heartfelt tribute to “Hopelessly Devoted to You,” stood out in the crowd. The duo received the highest score from the judges for their dance in addition to funds they raised. The Trane Twins Jordan and Taylor Robins stunned the crowd with their surprise performance, which garnered over $8,000 of support from Trane, Trane employees, family and friends. It was the most funds raised by any couple. Local Georgia Power Manager Eric Smith and East Georgia State College Professor Natasha Goss hit their routine out of the ballpark with a dance inspired by the “A League of Their Own” movie, while business owner Jackson Toole and paralegal Grace Cabrol had a grand slam of a performance inspired by their love of the Atlanta Braves. Florist Ellis Collins and his daughter Shannon showcased Shannon’s talents of singing and dancing, as the two shared a routine that entertained in every aspect.

“Dancing For the Stars is a thank you event to our women who participate in the local United Way ladies giving group, Power of the Purse,” United Way of Toombs, Montgomery, and Wheeler Counties Director Patricia Dixon explained. “Our sponsors pay for this whole event. No money donated to our United Way is required to fund the night. Therefore, it is an amazing opportunity to relax, enjoy a fun night, and support causes so near and dear to our heart.”

The money raised by this event is split amongst the several local United Way agencies: the American Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Southeast Georgia Communities Project, The Refuge Domestic Violence Shelter, The Sunshine House, Open Doors to the Handicapped, Toombs County Service Center I/DD, inc., Paul Anderson Youth Home, Toombs County Family Intervention Center, Boys & Girls Club of Toombs County, Boy Scouts of Coastal Georgia, TLC CASA, Mercy Medical Clinic, Compassionate Care Dental Clinic, Rachel’s House Pregnancy Clinic, God’s Storehouse/ Jesus Inn, Concerted Services, Montgomery County Senior Citizens Center, and Wheeler County Senior Citizens Center.

“These organizations are the real winners of this night,” Dixon emphasized. “They are why we do what we do, and it is an amazing opportunity to be able to serve them.”

The event is thoroughly planned by the Power of the Purse committee: Membership Chair Lucy Whigham, Dancing For The Stars Chair Kelly Stuckless, Linda Eason, Karon Durden, Marsha Temples, Angela Combs, Maria Gibase, Brianna Hasbrouck, Amy Giles, Melissa Bruce, and Lisa Chesser.

“We would like to extend a special thank you to our sponsors, as well as Barry Dotson, Julie Busby, Evan Riekhof, Pix Photography, Kurt Kight, Hawk’s Point, and Cal Berry for their help with this event,” Dixon added.

The event was sponsored by Presenting Sponsors Memorial Health Meadows Hospital, Paul Thigpen Automotive, Peoples Bank, Plant Hatch, and Trane; Tango Level Sponsors Altamaha Bank, Community Hospice, Chicken of the Sea, and EZ-E Photography; and Foxtrot Level Sponsors Chapman Pharmacy, DOT Foods, John & Ursula Spence, Million Pines Community Bank, Vidalia Federal Savings Bank, and Vidalia Small Engine Services.

The Power of the Purse campaign is open for women to join at any time. For more information, contact Patricia Dixon at (912) 537-2776.

FOR THE LOVE OF UNITED WAY — The dancers participating in the event say the best part of Dancing For The Stars is raising money for a cause so important in our community. The dancers for 2022 are, L to R: Jackson Toole, Grace Cabrol, Taylor Robins, Jordan Robins, Elizabeth Colston, Nick Hood, Ellis Collins, Shannon Collins, Eric Smith, Natasha Goss.Photo by Makaylee Randolph

TRANE TWINS — The “Trane Twins” Jordan and Taylor Robins thrilled the crowd with their performance and fund-raising, which collected over $8,000 in support of the United Way agencies. They raised more donations than any other couple.Photo by Makaylee Randolph