The Boys & Girls Clubs’ Dancing for the Stars Event: Making a Huge Impact on Local Children and Families
By Clarissa Robertson
Every day we witness stories of growth, generosity, and kindness at our local Boys & Girls Clubs.
One day, Jay and Sam were finishing homework in the main room. Jay got his pencil bag and said to Sam, “I will put the pencil bag between us, that way you can use my colored pencils whenever you want.” While members learn and develop within Clubs’ walls, they also inspire and teach valuable lessons.
The Clubs strive to offer empowering, life-changing tools and opportunities, and a safe haven, for our community youth. Clubhouses’ programs focus on six core areas, which are interwoven and support each other: Character and Leadership, Health and Wellness, Academic Enrichment, Sports and Recreation, STEM, and The Arts.
It is thanks to our community that the Clubs make a positive impact year after year. The organization is reliant on the investment of dedicated neighbors to make these life-changing programs a reality. With most of the operational budget coming from donations and fundraising events, our community’s support allows the Clubs to remain a safe haven and viable resource for local families.
Our community has come together over the past few years in support of Dancing for the Stars, the Clubs’ signature event and major fundraiser of the year. Thanks to the generosity of many supporters, the event has grown to raise a significant portion of the Clubs’ annual budget and has an immense impact in the lives of the future stars of our community—our youth.
Our heartfelt gratitude goes to all dancers, sponsors, judges, volunteers, attendees, and event supporters for joining the Clubs in the noble mission of fundraising for local youth. A special shoutout to our presenting sponsors Charles Schwab, James Deep Well Ranch, Lamb Chevrolet, Universal Homes, and Yavapai College, as well as to all amazing dancers: Councilwoman April Hepperle and JC Lawler; Carissa Maxwell and Ron Howard; Dr. Nisha Tung and Lungani Gwala; Fire Chief Holger Durre and Sasha Naasz; Jamie Procknow and Frankie Pena; Jeff Champ and Dawn Wilson; Matt Brassard and Dre Caldwell; Molly Hohrein and Zach Leonard; San Martin Rodriguez and Marina Rogova-O’Brien; Sheriff David Rhodes and Carie Hughes; and Lexe Niekamp/Lessons by Lexe Dance Studio.
Dancing for the Stars consists of an exciting friendly competition in which local celebrities are paired with professional dancers to perform a wide variety of dances while raising funds for the Boys & Girls Clubs. All proceeds stay local and directly benefit our community youth.
Visit dancingforthestars.net to stay tuned about the event’s next edition, coming up in 2023. To learn more about our local Clubs’ impact and programs, visit bgccaz.org, and follow facebook.com/BGCCAZ and instagram.com/BGCCAZ.