Dancing with the STARS

/
DSC_2804 copy.jpg

Story & Photography by Kristina Only

Community members and sponsors gathered on May 6th at the Jackson Fairgrounds for a record-breaking night of Dancing with the STARS. The event was presented by Leaders Credit Union, benefitting the STAR Center and featured 7 couples that ranged from nurses to business owners, surgeons, school principals, and realtors. Viewers from EPlusTV 6’s broadcast and Flatiron Grille watched online and TV as The STAR Center’s largest fundraiser came to fruition. This event, which has sold out every year, provides the needed resources for the Star Center to continue to live out their mission to help a person with any disability realize their potential.

Carrie-Brown Campbell and Brian James

Carrie-Brown Campbell and Brian James

The coveted mirror ball trophies were awarded to 2021 Dancing with the STARs Grand Champions Carrie-Brown Campbell and Brian James. Carrie-Brown is a full-time mom and instructor at The Fightshop, and her partner, Brian James, is the Director of Community Development at Healthy Community, LLC. Carrie-Brown and Brian’s performance brought a Latin flavor to the dance floor with Jennifer Lopez’s, “Let’s Get Loud.” The winning couple’s choreographer is Carol Ann Caldwell Williams. Carrie-Brown and Brian also swept in the People’s Choice Award and brought in over $16,000. Best Costume Award went to Angela Crocker and Trey Antwine for their outstanding look as Joker and Harley Quinn. The highest fundraiser (pre-event) award went to Angela Crocker, who brought in $5,100.

Whether the STAR Center is serving children who are non-verbal helping them find their voice or helping individuals with a disability find employment, the mission of The STAR Center is what drives the teams to fundraise and prepare for the competition. Donations make it possible for people who come to The STAR Center to turn their challenges into opportunities and rise above their circumstances. For more information on the STAR Center or to purchase tickets for Dancing with the STARS on October 21st of this year, please visit star-center.org.