Greenville's STARS Raised $72,000 for Senior Action

GREENVILLE, S.C., Oct. 11, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Capitalizing on the popularity of "Dancing with the Stars," a local human service organization – Senior Action – staged the 2nd Annual "Dancing with the Carolina Stars" on October 1, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency in downtown Greenville.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111011/CL84199 )

The fundraiser took place from 6pm-10pm and included local "celebrities," that were diverse group of community leaders and influencers. The celebrities were paired with professional dancers to train and compete for the public's votes. The event raised $72,000 for Senior Action.

RP Rama, of JHM Hotels, and Frederick Turner, of Lockheed Martin went into the evening as the top fundraisers. The evening took a dramatic turn when both men received perfect "10's" from the judges' panel. RP Rama eventually swept the evening, winning both the "Champion Fundraiser" trophy and "Champion Dancer" trophy, for his Viennese Waltz with partner, Cary Beth Scherban, of Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Over all, RP Rama personally raised over $12,600 for Senior Action.  In addition to RP Rama and Frederick Turner, the Carolina Stars that participated included:

Ben Riddle, Student Body Co-President, Mauldin High School
Chandra Dillard, SC State Representative
Debra Capps, Award winning Actress
Dottie Schipper, Photographer
Heidi Aiken, B93.7 Radio Personality
Janet Wall, Community Volunteer
Jay Spivey, Publisher, FETE Greenville
Jamarcus Gaston, WSPA, Scene on 7
Kerry Murphy, Executive Director, Artisphere
Lauren Morris, Magic 98.9 Radio Personality
Rodney Smolla, President, Furman University
Stacy Coulter, Proprietor, The Spa at West End

The judges for the event included Alan Ethridge of the Metropolitan Arts Council, Bobbi Wheeless, Senior Action board member, and Michael Cogdill of WYFF News Channel 4. Diane Lee from WSPA and Jeremiah Dew, both DWCS veterans, emceed the event. The fundraiser is a second annual event for Senior Action, and Up To Eleven Events returned as the Project Manager and Event Producer for 2011.

Dancing with the Carolina Stars Partners

Arthur Murray Dance Studio
AT&T
Audio Solutions
Bouharouns Party Shop
Butterfly House Studio
Elegant Dance Company
eMedia Group
Fred Astaire Dance Studio
Greenville Ballroom Dance Studio
Interim Healthcare
Jaramillo's Latin Dance
Larkins On The River
Pepsi
RedHype Media
West End Dance Company
Up To Eleven Events

About Senior Action

Senior Action in a non-profit organization committed to assisting Greenville County senior's access appropriate, affordable service through Senior Action Premiere Programs. Through 11 difference countywide locations, Senior Action is the only Greenville County Senior Service organization that provides comprehensive programming and services for seniors. Senior Action's three areas of focus are through Health & Wellness programs designed to educate & promote healthy lifestyles; Basic Need services to meet basic needs of life and to prolong independence; and Life Enrichment programs that strive to empower & engage seniors to maintain a high quality of life.

www.dancingwiththecarolinastars.com

SOURCE JHM Hotels