Dancing tickets going fast
By John Joyce
Published in News on April 11, 2013 1:46 PM
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News-Argus/MICHAEL BETTS
Carol Bowden, a participant in the third annual Dancing Stars of Wayne County fundraiser for education, rehearses with other contestants.
The Wayne Education Network and Wayne County Chamber of Commerce's Dancing Stars of Wayne County Battle of the Studios fundraiser for education is just days away and tickets are on sale now. But don't fret, citizens, seating might be limited but voting is not.
The show, 6:30 p.m. April 19 at the Paramount Theatre in downtown Goldsboro, has a new format, new cast of stars and a cause that never grows old -- education.
Lara Landers, director of marketing and events for the Wayne County Chamber of Commerce said this year's program has been refined to be better than ever.
Tickets are $75 and include a pre-show cocktail hour with heavy hors d'oeuvres, beer, wine and mixed drinks. They also include five votes -- regularly $10 apiece.
"We eliminated past issues such as visibility, the duration of the dinner and the format of the show," Ms. Landers said.
The contestants have been rehearsing with local dance studios for weeks on an opening number and routines that are sure to shine.
The studios will be battling head-to-head as will the contestants.
Gone are the partnered routines. Each contestant will dance with a group of students. The top vote getting contestant and studio will win the competition.
Judges will also be selecting their own "Top Three" category for the standouts of their choosing.
"Voting will be open until the end of the show, and can be done online, using QVR codes via smart phones, or with cash, check or credit cards," Ms. Landers said.
Ushers will be in the aisles throughout the show with envelopes ready to collect votes, just like in church, Ms. Landers said.
Rehearsals will commence at the theater Wednesday and Thursday next week.
All proceeds, other than a few operating costs, go directly to education. Money collected will be used to fund mini-grants, scholarships and recruitment and retention events for teachers.
"It's entertainment and fundraising made easy," Ms. Landers said.
Dr. Earl Moore, principal at Charles B. Aycock High School, remains the top vote-getter so far with more than $1,500 raised. Matilda Faircloth, of Re/Max, is a close second with $1,200 in so far.
"Everyone has a child, a friend with children, or their own grandkids, nieces and nephews in school. Or maybe they know a teacher," Ms. Landers said.
The Dancing Stars have worked really hard and so have the organizers to ensure a program that will not disappoint, Ms. Landers said. Tickets and votes can be purchased online at WayneEducationNetwork.org.
Seating is still available.
"Come out and support education, we have a really great show lined up, not just with the stars, but also the students," Ms. Landers said.