Or perhaps you might enjoy watching your friends dance? Well, many people did as a first (and hopefully annual) local dance competition rapidly became a sold out successful event. October 25th more than 250 guests delighted not only in watching a wonderful dance competition and enjoying a delicious dinner at the Patterson Club, but also in reveling in this 1st ever ‘Positive Directions’ campaign kickoff fundraiser.
Positive Directions, Center for Prevention and Recovery, founded in 1971, is a non-profit, state-licensed, outpatient counseling and treatment agency in Westport. Numerous services are offered, for both adults and adolescents, including mental health and addiction counseling and evaluations and referrals, as the primary source of alcohol/substance prevention and education/support programs in mid Fairfield County.
After a kick off greeting by Erin Brady, Miss USA, six local ‘celebrities’ (community leaders) paired with 6 professional dancers and competed for the Mirror ball Trophy (presented by State Senator John McKinney based on the vote of the Judges) and the People’s Choice Award (based on the popular vote / audience voting).
Tiffany Petrocelli (dancer), Victoria Carey, Flash Pointe Dance owner, Kayla Borsari (dancer), Nancy Billington, Paul Herman (dancer), and Jeffrey Earls, PD Board Chairman
Each couple performed a 2 minute dance routine in front of a panel of distinguished Judges, after 5 lessons and many practices in between. “There was a real buzz, a real energy in the room. It was just great,” said John Travolta (aka: First Selectman Mike Tetreau) who donned brunette dyed hair coloring in order to be in character.
Co-chair and creator Nancy Billington, Director of Marketing & Development, is humbled by the events success. “It was a huge hit. I am overwhelmed by the response — all so positive! People are saying it was the best event they’ve ever attended. We took in about $50,000 and are still counting.”
These generous contributions will enable Positive Directions, 420 Post Road West, Westport to help more people in more ways as they fund existing programs as well as the new ‘Campaign for Positivity’ – which will extend the reach of their work to middle schools and local private schools. A sliding scale payment basis is available.
positivedirections.org or call 203.227.7644. achancetodance.us for more dance details.