Press Release

Dancing with Branch County’s Celebrities

Date:9/2/2008

COLDWATER, MI—

The costumes have been selected and the dance lessons are in full swing as Branch County’s own celebrities gear up for Dancing with the Celebrities set for 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 13,  2008, at Tibbits Opera House.

Volunteer Coordinator Carolyn Stewart has her committee members, Candy Cox, Sharon Duchi-Bloom, Karen Hargreave, Vicki Legg, Rae Mirgain, Diane Riegel, Marisue Taylor, and Carolyn Wingard along with Mary Gail Stevens and Marnie Wood, pulling out all the stops to create an evening of fun-filled entertainment the whole family can enjoy. 

This fundraiser for the Tibbits Opera House will feature seven talented area couples: Christine and Ken Delaney, Rhonda Ives and Mike Brooks, Chuck and Jayne Lillis, Bill and Michele Milnes, Heath and Sherri Rifenburgh, Rosemary and Sam Russo and Barb Vainner and Larry Parks. Maria Davenport is assisting the Russos with their dance. Carolyn Wingard is assisting all the other couples.

“What began as a love of the television show, “Dancing with the Stars”, is turning into a local event.  I think everyone who has agreed to dance deserves our support.  That is not an easy task to dance on stage live, in front of your family and friends” commented Diane Riegel, Chair of the event.

Coldwater Mayor Gene Wallace, Judge David Coyle, and dance student Louise Fredricks are the judges for this fun evening.

Just like the TV show Dancing with the Stars, some names may not be familiar. If you don’t recognize the names of the dancers, their pictures appear on the voting canisters. Remember to cast your votes now by putting money into the individual canisters that are on display throughout the county including canisters for all seven couples at Taylor’s Books and More.  Voting is so close that every vote counts. Cast yours today!

Attendees will also be able to vote for the dancers of their choice that evening which will count towards selecting a winner. Those votes will be tallied with the judges’ votes that night and a winner will be announced.

There will also be door prizes that include fitness center memberships, restaurant meals and tanning for those in attendance.

One of the more seasoned performers, Sam Russo, proudly told his children in Washington, “I’m going to be on the Tibbits stage dancing no less!” His children will be making the journey to Coldwater and Tibbits be in the audience on Saturday, September 13. Won’t you join them?