Community Opportunities of East Ascension kicked off its “Dancing for a Cause” campaign Tuesday night.
The fundraising event, modeled after the hit television show “Dancing with the Stars,” will be Aug. 14 in Gonzales, and feature local dancers.
The ballroom dance event is set for 7:30 p.m. at the Gonzales Recreation Center.
The event will benefit COEA in providing services to the mentally and physically disabled citizens in the community, according to committee chair and event coordinator Sharon Morris.
“When you see these dancers, it’s amazing what they can do,” Morris said during a ceremony Tuesday at the COEA complex in Gonzales to kick off the fundraising event.
COEA recently broke ground on a respite care facility on Purpera Road in Gonzales.
Anita Cann, COEA president, said the facility will serve individuals with disablities and the elderly.
She said it will be the first of its kind in the River Parishes area.
The facility will have a generator and serve as an evacuation site in the event of a hurricane, she said.
The center will be “first class,” according to COEA executive director Norma Dukes.
When state funding was reduced, a COEA committee formed and brainstormed to come up with the dancing with the stars idea.
They found talent right in their community and many individuals willing to step up and support the event.
Gonzales Mayor Barney Arceneaux and journalist Maxine Crump will serve as hosts for the event.
Gonzales Police Chief Sherman Jackson and The Advocate’s Darlene Denstorff have agreed to serve as judges.
Local attorney Matt Pryor will be one of the celebrity competitors. He said he’s a big fan of the “Dancing with the Stars” television show.
Kamal Zaher, owner of the Lebanese restaurant Kamal’s Kafe in Gonzales, will also put on his dancing shoes.
Gonzales author and success coach Carol Pierce said she’s looking forward to it.
Darlene LeBlanc wasn’t able to attend Tuesday, but she has signed on for the event as well.
Dancing instructor Jewell Reid said four professionals will “whip the dancers into shape.”
“If you can walk, you can dance,” she said.
Alissa Kling said the East Ascension Spartanettes dance team will perform as the opening act.
Several church groups are also planning on performing.
The Christian Assembly Church Drill Team Ministry, St. Paul Baptist Church and Second Mount Carmel Baptist Church performers will be a part of the showcase.
General admission tickets are $20 and includes refreshments (cash bar).
VIP sponsorships are also available, which includes preferred seating, a reception and refreshments.
For more information, contact COEA at 225-621-2000, or Morris at 225-955-4683, Sherrie Jenkins at 225-647-4820 or Darryl Hambrick at 225-910-3302
