Serving Northeast Wisconsin
April 2, 2013 Leave a comment
We have seen Murphy’s moves so who would you like to see next…. Katie?? Nick ??? or what about Otis???
Thank you WIXX for your support of Dancing with Our Stars for the past FIVE years!!!
April 1, 2013 Leave a comment
Congratulations to Sue Gonczy, winner of the “Dance with Donald” raffle at the American Red Cross Dancing with Our Stars event this past February 23rd!
March 15, 2013 Leave a comment
Downtown Green Bay is the new destination for the annual “Dancing with Our Stars”event benefiting the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin. The KI Convention Center will host the prestigious fundraiser Saturday, February 15, 2014. The event, now in its sixth year, resembles ABC Television’s hit “Dancing with the Stars” and features ten community members (known as “star dancers”) who compete both on the dance floor and to raise money for the local Red Cross.
“We are excited about partnering with the KI Convention Center and continuing to grow our amazing event,” says Shawn Kiser, Special Events Coordinator for the Red Cross. “Dancing with Our Stars sells out every year and we look forward to the opportunity to entertain 1,000 guests at the KI.”
“We welcome the Red Cross and DWOS event to downtown with open arms. Their event will be a unique addition to the growing list of activities taking place throughout the year in the Green Bay’s cultural center.” said Jeff Mirkes, Executive Director, Downtown Green Bay, Inc. & Olde Main Street, Inc.
The 2013 Dancing with Our Stars campaign, headlined by last month’s dancing competition, raised nearly $370,000 in net revenue for the Red Cross. Betina Drivertook home the coveted Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy. She danced with her husband, former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Donald Driver, and raised $158,000.
Not only do those in attendance support local efforts, so can those not attending as the “star dancers” receive votes in the form of donations to the Red Cross. One dollar equals one vote. All funds raised support disaster prevention, preparation and relief, the life-saving training of first aid, CPR/AED classes, collection and testing of blood and blood products, support to military members serving around the globe, the transportation program and international programs.
The participants for Dancing with Our Stars 2014 will be announced sometime this fall. To nominate someone, email Shawn Kiser: Shawn.Kiser@redcross.org.
Dancing with our Stars blog: redcrossdwosblog.org
Facebook: facebook.com/NEWRedCross
Twitter: @NEWRedCross (#DWOS to join the conversation!)
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides emotional support to victims of disasters; supplies about 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; provides international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at http://blog.redcross.org.
March 1, 2013 Leave a comment
Terry Irwin Talks about Instructing Betina & Donald Driver in Ballroom Dancing
Terry Irwin is like a proud father these days after Betina and Donald Driver drew rave reviews for their performances at the Fifth Annual “Dancing with Our Stars” for the American Red Cross of Northeast Wisconsin. Irwin, owner of TC Dance Club International in Appleton, coached the Drivers and also developed the choreography for their two routines. “Working with the Drivers was truly an amazing experience from a teacher’s point of view,” says Irwin. “Not only are they intelligent and athletic, they have the work ethic and stamina of top professional couples. We would take anywhere from 3 to 8 lessons in a row. We already knew of Donald’s talents from ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” Betina’s raw, untapped abilities truly surprised me,” he said.
Terry teaching Betina and Donald a move for their rumba at his studio in Appleton.
With 38 years of professional dance experience, including five U.S. Championships, Irwin knows talent when he sees it. “I had many lessons with Betina alone because of Donald’s schedule and would give her things to work on like Latin walks, body rhythms, or foot and ankle articulation, and low & behold, next lesson there would be a dramatic improvement,” he says. “I’ve trained several U.S. champions and the Drivers are right up there with the best I’ve ever trained.”
Betina Driver took home the Mirror Ball Fundraising Trophy for raising more than $155,000. As a dance couple, the Drivers earned the Judges’ Choice Award. Irwin’s time with the Drivers is something he will cherish forever. “Their playful nature and sense of humor made lesson times fly by. As their coach, I was inspired by their compassion, love of family, sense of community, spirituality, and open & caring nature. It was my pleasure and honor to be afforded the opportunity to work with this wonderful couple.”
To learn more about TC Dance Club International, visit their website: http://www.tcdanceclubwi.com
February 24, 2013 Leave a comment
Donald and Betina Driver perform their dance routine during the American Red Cross Dancing With Our Stars event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis., on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Lukas Keapproth/Press Gazette Media
ASHWAUBENON — A little more than an hour to showtime, it was a mix of nervousness, anticipation and excitement among a number of dancers performing as part Dancing With Our Stars, an annual fundraiser for the American Red Cross.
They practiced for months — and then practiced more Saturday — and they were about to hit a brightly lit dance area in front of more than 750 people.
“If you’re not nervous, then there’s something wrong with you,” said Rane Cegelski, a dancer from Green Bay. “With 750 people, you’re going to get a little nervous because you never know what might go wrong.” But those pre-event feelings are replaced by others at the end of the night.
“Walking off is fantastic and you’re all pumped up… then a couple days later you have this huge withdrawal,” Cegelski said. This was his third year dancing and fifth volunteering. The event, in its fifth year, serves as a fundraiser to support Red Cross disaster prevention, preparation and relief; life-saving training of first aid; CPR/AED classes; collection and testing of blood and blood products; support to military members; the transportation program; and international programs.
Michael Witte, owner of Simply Ballroom and one of the pro dancers, has seen the event grow over the years. This is his fourth year dancing in the event. “It’s been interesting to see the growth and evolution from that first year when we were at the Riverside Ballroom where they could only fit 300 people and we raised $48,000, to the Three Clans Room … and we have individual stars that are raising more than we raised that whole first year.”
Saturday night’s sold out event, held at the Radisson Hotel & Conference Center Green Bay in Ashwaubenon, raised more than $370,000, up from $149,000 last year.
Erica Vanboxel and Rane Cegelski perform their dance routine during the American Red Cross Dancing With Our Stars event at the Radisson Hotel and Conference Center in Ashwaubenon, Wis., on Saturday, February 23, 2013. Lukas Keapproth/Press Gazette Media
Erica Van Boxel, a Press-Gazette employee, hit the floor as a celebrity dancer. She got involved to support the Red Cross. “Going into ballroom dancing I didn’t really know what to expect,” Van Boxel said. “The best part is going to be knowing I set my mind to something, I accomplished learning two dances, and when they announce the fund raising total …it’s going to be an awesome feeling to know we were a part of making that happen.”
Dancing With Our Stars got a bit of Dancing With THE Stars Saturday night when former Packers wide receiver Donald Driver took to the floor with his wife, Betina. Pre-event nerves? Not really. This was 770 people versus a television audience of 35 million. “I’m nervous throughout the week, but when the lights come on, I’m ready to play ball,” Donald Driver said. “The American Red Cross helps so many people, not just in Wisconsin but around the world, and to help them raise money for their cause is truly something special.”
Betina Driver took top honors in the fundraising department Saturday night, earning a another mirror ball award for the Driver household.
Dancers worked since October to prepare two dances for Saturday night’s events — as well as raising funds. Todd Bierowski, a first-time celebrity dancer from De Pere, kept his goals for the evening simple. “The best-case scenario is we raise a lot of money … and we get through the routine without forgetting any of steps,” he said. “And we have a lot of fun doing it. That’s the key.” Despite having to “learn how to dance,” it’s something Bierowski said he’d do again. “It’s challenging, but it’s very rewarding,” he said. “If I was asked (to do it again), I probably would. It’s been fun.”
— nphelps@pressgazettemedia.com and follow him on Twitter@nathanphelpsPG or on Facebook at Nathan Phelps (Press-Gazette)
February 18, 2013 Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of Frievalt Photography, llc
I am 21 years old and currently attend The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. I am going to school for my Undergraduate Degrees in both Criminology and Psychology. I am hoping to eventually work as a homicide detective or in the Behavioral Science Unit of the FBI. I have been figure skating for 11 years and have been singing and dancing in show choirs for 7 years. The arts are a passion of mine and I couldn’t live life without music or dancing. I grew up in Green Bay and I first began dancing when I was three years old by taking tap, ballet, and jazz. Without dancing, skating, and the support of my family I wouldn’t be who I am today.
I started ballroom dancing five years ago after the first Dancing with Our Stars event. I was helping by selling flowers. I also enjoyed watching the dancers because dancing is a passion of mine. I thought it was so amazing and I immediately had to start. It has been an honor and privilege to work with the Simply Ballroom team, which has furthered my knowledge and dedication for ballroom dance.
Working with the Red Cross is such a great opportunity. They assist those in need and it is truly an amazing program with many inspirational people. Best of luck to all dancers! Go Buckeyes!
Check out Taylor and her dance partner, Todd Bierowski and thier Cha Cha!
February 13, 2013 Leave a comment
Photo courtesy of Frievalt Photography, llc
There’s nothing like expression through movement. At age four I took my first ballet class in Delafield, WI, and haven’t stopped dancing since. My major of Environmental Policy and Planning and minor in Environmental Science brought me to UW Green Bay, where I fell in love with ballroom dance through UWGB’s club. It’s my goal to work with fresh water resources combatting our world’s water crisis; ideally working in water conflict management and transformation internationally.
I instruct Zumba aerobic classes at the Kress Events Center, love sports and am enthusiastic about anything active. This event marks the two and a half year point of my ballroom career in which I’ve earned State Champion titles, presidency position in club, and met people who mean the world to me. Without them, I wouldn’t be here dancing in ways I had only dreamed of and for that I am so grateful.
It’s a great privilege to be supporting the American Red Cross Team through this event. They do so much for our community, touching lives daily; this is a wonderful opportunity to share something that I love and make a difference doing it. A big thank you to Bob Warpinski and Tommy Lemkuil for making this experience fantastic the first time around, and to Pat Warpinski for making it happen again; it means so much to share this with you.
February 12, 2013 Leave a comment
WEEK 2 ONLINE DONOR RECOGNITION RECIPIENT
Congratulations to Angela Bauer-Dantoin for winning our second online donor recognition package! She donated to Pat Warpinski’s campaign.
WEEK 3 ONLINE DONOR RECOGNITION PACKAGE
One night lodging in a whirlpool/fireplace suite at the Kress Inn
One (1) Spa Two-Gether Retreat package for two at The Day Spa
Eight (8) $5 dollar gift cards to Longhorn Steakhouse
Ten (10) $8.75 each Courtesy Passes to Marcus Theaters
One (1) candle from Astor Park Florist
Once again, this is to show appreciation to online donors by giving them a package of donated gift certificates. Someone who donates online this week (today through Sunday) will receive the items listed above. Start encouraging people to donate to your fundraising campaign via your online site!
To vote for one of our stars go to: http://american.redcross.org/dwos
Two (2) one-night stays at the Geneva Lake Resort Hot Air Balloon Ride for four people
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