3rd Annual Dancing Under the Stars Charity Benefit at Fess Parker’s Doubletree Resort in Santa Barbara
| August 23, 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm |
Arthur Murray Dance Studios in Santa Barbara, Ventura and Thousand Oaks are proud to present the third annual Dancing Under the Stars charity benefit. Featuring a local celebrity dance off and silent auction, this year is going to be more exciting than ever.
The event includes an amazing silent auction the celebrity dance off as well as a professional show by both teachers and student of the Arthur Murray Dance Studios, heavy hors d’ouvres and a cash bar. This event is semi-formal, as well as an outside venue, so dress accordingly.
This years celebrities:
Becca Solodon has opened for Mariah Carey, played with The Commodores and has had studio sessions with legends like James Ingram while studying under vocal coach David Coury (American Idol & MTV’s Making Menudo). Prior to the launch of her career, Becca suffered from a rare and aggressive form of cancer that nearly took her life at the tender age of sixteen. She soon discovered that a mid-calf amputation was imperative in order to save her. After undergoing months of intense chemotherapy, Becca was officially declared ‘cancer free’ in October 2008 at the age of 21. In addition to working on her first full-length album, Becca is a performer and spokesperson for the Teddy Bear Cancer Foundation, Hugs-For-Cubs, the American Cancer Society and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Becca has become a motivational force, speaking and singing in the media and one-on-one with children, hospital volunteers, and community activists.
Janet Ochoa has been a California resident for over fifty years and has been happily married for forty-three of those years. She has three children and five grandchildren ranging from eighteen years old down to two months old. Janet has enjoyed twelve years at R. F. Shaw’s Upholstery in Westlake Village and has been the proud owner for the last six years. After her husband’s retirement, he joined her in the business and now works for her. She has always wanted to dance, but felt restricted because of the lack of any type of proper dance instruction, so she jumped at the invitation to be a part of Dancing Under the Stars. In her downtime Janet enjoys volleyball, tennis and snow skiing. Her husband recently introduced her to and consequently made a poker fan of her. Most recently dancing has become a favorite new hobby, and she particularly enjoys the chance to spotlight these new found dance skills for a good cause.
Danny graduated from UCSB in 1998 with a degree in Psychology and a minor in coaching. During his four years at UCSB he played for the men’s soccer team. After graduation he worked for UCSB in housing and residential services for two years and played one year of professional soccer. He then moved down south to earn his masters degree in counseling at Cal State University, Long Beach. After obtaining his masters degree he worked at Concordia University in Irvine as the director of housing. He returned to UCSB in 2007 to work as an Assistant Director of Residential Life. He has been married three years to his beautiful wife, Jenny. Jenny works with children with autism and owns her own wedding flower business. Danny and Jenny enjoy country music, wine tasting, camping, traveling and good food.
Mary Johnson was born, raised and completed most all of her college education in Santa Barbara, finishing with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. She has worked for KEYT for the last twenty years. The only dance experience Mary has ever had was a ballet class she took when she was five years old. She has been married 21 years and has a 6 year old daughter. Mary is also the owner of a ladies accessory boutique called ‘Dulce’, located in Camarillo at Homespun treasures. In her spare time she loves gardening and remains active in her church. Mary says, above all “I love God, Family and America.”
David Bagwell is currently the President and CEO for Bagwell Construction Services, Inc. and has 24 years of experience in construction, management and business. He has worked on numerous construction projects ranging from a few thousand dollars in value to projects worth over four hundred million dollars. In the past few years, David has received numerous awards including being named one of Pacific Coast Business Times “Forty Under Forty” as one of the top forty business leaders (under the age of forty) in the Tri-counties. He also remains active with local charities, such as Rotary International, the Boys and Girls Club, and local chambers of commerce. David has two beautiful daughters, who are excited to see their Dad dance.
Silent Auction:
Besides having a spectacular dance show, the benefit features a fabulous silent auction. We’ve had donations of many kinds. From restaurant gift cards to baby clothes to time commissioned from a famous artist. You will be sure to find something you are looking for. This year, some featured items are an Extreme Makeover: Home Edition tool basket as well as a baby ballerina gift basket from Prima Diva Dancewear.
Ticket Information:
Tickets range from $125 to $75.
Please call 805-644-5999 (1pm-10pm Monday through Friday) or email: dancingunderthestarsinfo@gmail.com.
How You Can Help:
To make a donation, monetary or for the silent aucton, or to become a sponsor, please call 805-644-5999 or email dancingunderthestarsinfo@gmail.com.
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