Home Local News Dancing With The Stars: A Night of Magic

Dancing With The Stars: A Night of Magic

Dancing with the Stars
Photo by Betty McIntyre

HAMLET – Ticketholders began arriving early on September 8, 2018, dressed in their best attire as the much anticipated night of Dancing With The Stars was finally at hand. The sense of magic was immediately felt upon entering the venue as the theme from Walt Disney World greeted all.

The magic continued throughout as people headed to Taste of the Sandhills which began in the banquet room at 5:30 p.m. Sampling of food filled hundreds of plates which were provided by the 24 participating restaurants from  Richmond County, Moore County, and Scotland County. Tables were uniquely decorated for the occasion as each person taste-tested anything from chicken and dumplings, wings, Mexican and Chinese dishes, chicken salad, desserts, and much more. Tickets were given to all who attended so each could vote on their favorite restaurant. The owner of #1 Diner, Jeanny Reynolds was the winner of the Tasty Award for the second year in a row with her home-cooked style. Reynolds’ chicken and dumplings as well as her dressing and gravy were a big hit with the crowd. 

In the hallway there were tables set-up for a silent auction containing many different items to bid on. Some of which included framed photos from numerous famous people with some of their quotes, along with sports memorabilia, and jewelry. The items came from Novelty Joe’s which is located in Kernersville, NC. Adriana Dellarena, the daughter of owner Joe Dellarena, was there to represent the business as well as help with the auction. “My dad collects sports memorabilia items to help events with silent auctions” Dellarena said.  

Ticketholders then passed through Disney’s Main St USA which displayed lifelike replicas of Disney’s buildings as well as a dance floor along with DJ Stewart Niemyer. They were then invited to enter into the magical world as they were given playbills and greeted by Cinderella (Jenna Staub) and Prince Charming (Dalton Murphy). Each person walked into the auditorium as they passed by Cinderella’s glass slipper which was on display as well as candelabras which softly lit the auditorium throughout. This gave ticketholders a taste of what was yet to come.  

As the curtain opened to unveil the magical castle, the crowd loudly applauded when returning champions Dennis Quick, Dr. Mary Catherine Moree, Robert Smith, and Tarrah Kay Billingsley took to the stage with the “Mary Poppins Medley”. Next up were the six couples who dazzled the audience in their own special way, each dancing to a Disney song as the castle magically lit the stage in the background. Clint Downer and Taylor Linger danced to “I Wanna Be Like You” from the Jungle Book; Justin Clark and Erin Newcomb danced to “A Whole New World” from Aladdin; Chris Herring and Robin Roberts danced to “Hakuna Matata, Circle of Life” from The Lion King; Hunter Smart and Kaiyah Sriratanakoul danced to “Let It Go” from Frozen; Jason Graham and Jess Graham danced to “Under The Sea” from The Little Mermaid; and JC Everett and Karen Everett danced to “He’s a Pirate” from Pirates of the Caribbean.  

Three judges flew in from New Jersey to judge the competition, but not before having a five hour flight delay. The judges were Travis Breen, Kim Menna (returning from last year’s event), and Eric McCotter. All have extensive knowledge as well as experience in choreographing, dancing, and judging. They expressed their desire to see more couples dancing in the competition next year.  

After each couple finished their allotted time on the stage, the judges critiqued their performance.  Comments included “Great Job!”; “Beautiful!”; “This routine had everything!”; “It was great!”; “Love the costumes!”; “So intense!”; etc.

When the final dance had been performed for each couple, the judges showed their vote by holding up Mickey Mouse ears which showed the score. The awards were then given to the three winning couples. It was a close call for two couples as Jason and Jessie Graham and JC and Karen Everett tied with an almost perfect score for the Judges’ Choice: 29 out of 30. The winning couples for the night were: Hunter Smart and Kaiyah Sriratanakoul winning the Hospice Choice Award for raising the most money; JC and Karen Everett winning the People’s Choice Award; and finally a father and daughter team Jason and Jessi Graham winning the Judges’ Choice Award.  

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Proceeds from the fundraiser go to Hospice, a non-profit agency. Dancing With The Stars is Hospice’s biggest fundraising event of the year. In speaking to Hospice CEO, Kristina Leyden she stated “I’m so thankful for our team who can work together and pull off such a big event. I’m also thankful for all the dancers as well as the restaurants who participated, without them we couldn’t do it.”

Neal Watkins began serving with Hospice on the original board years ago and continues to serve as Chairman of the Board. Watkins said, “Hospice’s staff is hard-working and determined. There were 70 volunteers who were energetic, persistent, and didn’t give up.” He also stated “Leyden always has a smile on her face; she leads by example.” 

Several of the dancers had family members which Hospice had cared for in the last days of their lives, and they wanted to give back to Hospice in return. A few other dancers volunteer with Hospice.  

When asking set designer Nic Wilkes what inspired him to do the Disney theme, he stated “I am a Disney fanatic – I love Disney!”  He also mentioned how he wanted everyone to see the buildings first as they entered the venue, just like they would at Walt Disney World.  

It truly was a magical night! 

If you would like more information on Hospice please call 910-997-4464 or visit their website www.richmondcountyhospice.com.

 

 

 

Submitted by: Betty Gallo McIntyre



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