In case you missed it…… Let’s get ready to RUMBAAAAAAAA!
March 24, 2013 Leave a comment
Dancing with Our Stars 2013 Fundraiser Sets Event Record
February 25, 2013 1 Comment
Betina and Donald Driver with their matching mirrorballs.
The 5th Annual Dancing with Our Stars for the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin exceeded expectations, with record fundraising and increased awareness to programs and services. Together, with the amazing efforts of our nine celebrity dancers, our sponsors, and with the support of the community, we raised $370,000 in net revenue to support Red Cross programs and services in our community. This year’s event was held on Saturday, February 23 at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Green Bay.“Here at the American Red Cross, we are truly humbled by the outpouring of community support received through the “Dancing with Our Stars” event,” said Steve Hansen, Regional COO and Chapter Executive. “Saturday night, the entire event concluded with the entertainment and demonstration of dancing skills by our nine stars, but the real event started more than four months ago, when our dancers made the commitment to raise funds to support the lifesaving mission of the American Red Cross.”
Hansen also said, “Along with the outstanding support from our sponsors and community, the dancers poured everything they had into this event by generously volunteering their time and talent to make this event a huge success. On behalf of the American Red Cross, thank you for bringing compassion and hope to those in need!”
Thank you to our sponsors including: Oneida Nation of Wisconsin; Kimberly-Clark; Festival Foods; Schneider National Foundation; Jack’s Maintenance; Broadway Automotive; The Green Bay Packers; MillerCoors and Masters Gallery Foods. We also thank our media partners of WBAY-TV2, WIXX and the Green Bay Press-Gazette for their promotional support.
Our dancers definitely put their best foot forward to entertain and dazzle a sold-out crowd of 770 guests. The evening began with dinner and followed with our all-star dance program where each celebrity performed two dances. The night concluded with the awards ceremony.
Taking away the top honors for the Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy was Betina Driver. The wife of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver raised $155,000 to support the local Red Cross.
To view additional photos from the event visit our Northeast Wisconsin Facebook page.
Taryn Oleson and Patrick Warpinski, dancing a quickstep to “Rolling in the Deep” sung live by his daughter, Lashawnda Warpinski.
The People’s Choice award for showcase one went to Pat Warpinski and Taryn Oleson for their Quickstep to “Rolling in the Deep.” People’s Choice award for showcase two went to Mary Gronnert and Michael Witte for their Jive to “Girls Gone Wild.”The Judges’ Choice award went to Betina and Donald Driver for their two performances: A Tango to ‘Too Close” and a Rumba to “Endless Love.”
Special thanks to Cami Rapson and Chris Roth of WBAY-TV 2 for serving as masters of ceremonies and to Jesse Baumgart, Kimberly Larsen and Christopher Mangless for their professional and colorful judging commentary.
Thank you to all our star dancers for their time, commitment, energy and passion: Todd Bierowski, President/Owner, Décor Lighting Sales, Asst. Football Coach, St. Norbert College; Rick Bondowski, Senior Vice President, Regional Retail Director, Associated Bank; Betina Driver, Co-host, “The Better Half”; Mary Gronnert, Foundation Coordinator, Schneider National Foundation, Inc.; Emily Matesic, Reporter, WBAY-TV 2; Sean Sanders, Grocery/Frozen/Dairy Director, Festival Foods; Amy Sehring, Community Supporter; Erica VanBoxel, Green Bay Press-Gazette Magazine Editor; Pat Warpinski, Owner/Veterinarian of The Animal House; and Rane Cegelski and Taryn Oleson from DanceSport of Green Bay; Jamie Keyzer, Jay Morth, Taylor Watry, Michael Witte and Alyssa Zellner from Simply Ballroom of Green Bay; and Terry Irwin from TC Dance Club International of Appleton.
Thank you to our committee, volunteers and most of all the community for supporting your local American Red Cross of Northeast WI.
Rane Cegelski and Erica VanBoxel, Waltz to “White Fantasy”
Alyssa Zellner and Rick Bondowski, Cha Cah to “Please Don’t Go”
Michael Witte and Mary Gronnert, Jive to “Girls Gone Wild”
Jay Morth and Amy Sehring dance the Viennese Waltz to “After the Fall”
Emily Matesic and Jay Morth dance the East Coast Swingt to “Morse Code of Love”
Jamie Keyzer and Sean Sanders dance tango to “Promavera Portena”
Taylor Watry and Todd Bierowski dancing the Cha Cha to “International Love”
Betina and Donald Driver dance the rumba to “Endless Love”
Erica and Rane Getting into the “Swing” of Things!
January 21, 2013 Leave a comment
Get to know Erica VanBoxel, Green Bay Press-Gazette Magazine Editor
November 20, 2012 Leave a comment
photo courtesy of Frievalt Photography, llc
Whether I am coordinating the latest issue of YOU magazine or volunteering for the Womens Fund of Greater Green Bay I am proud to help enhance my hometown in any way that I can. I was raised in the Village of Bellevue, am a graduate of St. Norbert College and UW-Green Bay and I currently reside in the De Pere area. This area has always been home and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Green Bay! My profession inspires me every day. As the magazine editor for the Green Bay Press-Gazette I focus on connecting the community with local lifestyle stories. I share stories of women philanthropists, active seniors and family friendly events. I am also involved in the following area organizations: Women’s Fund of Greater Green Bay (a fund of the Greater Green Bay Community Foundation), Management Women and Current Young Professionals Network.Relationships with family and friends are a high priority of mine and I’m grateful everyday for their support and for all of the joy they have and continue to provide to my life.
Get to know a little more about Erica:
Describe your first dancing recollection. About how old were you and what was the occasion? I am told that the theme song to the ‘80s television show “The Facts of Life” used to get me dancing when I was a child. My first dancing memory is from my childhood tap and ballet lessons at Bernie Matzke’s School of Dance. I began lessons at age 5 and continued through age 11.
Who is your dream dance partner? Would I be a true Packers fan if I didn’t say Double D? Donald Driver is electric on the football field, in the Green Bay community and on the dance floor. I would be thrilled to waltz or tango with him!
Who is your favorite dancer of all time on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars” and why? My favorite “Dancing with the Stars” couple is professional, Mark Ballas with celebrity, Shawn Johnson. Shawn’s energy and competitive instinct combined with Mark’s lifelong ballroom dancing expertise made these two a joy to watch week in and week out. From Olympic gold medal to mirror ball trophy Shawn is tough to beat in any arena.
Why support the American Red Cross with your participation? Compassion is at the core of everything the American Red Cross does. During times of disaster and devastation the American Red Cross is helping our local towns and villages, our nation and our world. Through blood drives and safety courses our Red Cross strives to build strong and healthy communities. I am honored contribute to such an important and worthy cause.
Hobbies or passions
At 8-years-old I was enrolled in junior golf lessons and have continued golf as a hobby of mine into adulthood. Some of my favorite area courses include Thornberry Creek at Oneida and Northbrook Country Club. I am also an avid Wisconsin sports fan, you’ll often find me cheering on the Packers, Badgers or Brewers.
During the summer months look for me near the water! I enjoy cruises on the Foxy Lady, taking in the scenery from CityDeck and walking along the Fox River Trail.
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