‘Dancing for a Cause’ starts July 14

Time to give props to Trina Edwards, wife of former Gov. Edwin Edwards, and 11 other high-profile citizens for stepping up to participate in “Dancing for a Cause,” a friendly dance contest and fundraiser modeled after television’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

The event will be held Saturday, July 14, at the Lamar-Dixon Expo Center. A VIP reception for all guests begins at 5:30 p.m.; competition begins at 7 p.m.

Donations gathered by or for the dancers benefit Community Opportunities/The ARC of East Ascension.

The twelve dancers, paired with professionals, are:

     • Stephen Allain, Cox Communications, dancing with Alyssa Kling;

    • Christy Bourgeois, St. Amant Middle School principal, dancing with Peter Wischiesa;

    • Michael Buturla, Domian Design, dancing with Johanna Collier;

    • Trina Scott Edwards, wife of former governor Edwin Edwards, dancing with Le'Brian Patrick;

    • Charlotte Guedry, nStrumental Design, dancing with Leonard Augustus;

    • Mack Graves, Monentive, dancing with Courtney Black;

    • Heather McClelland, Advocate staff photographer, dancing with Van Vo;

    • Tracey Normand, Gonzales Fire chief, dancing with Chris Cangelos;

    • Chip Robert, GM at Mike Anderson's, dancing with Claire Broyles ;

    • Arthur Scanlan, Eatel Corp., dancing with Ryn Jones and Teresa Whitiker;

    • Glenda Shaheen, GSA, dancing with Peter Wischiesa

    • Kelly Swarm, Caldwell Banker One, dancing with Jacob Martin.

Event organizer Sharon Morris said they hope to raise $100,000 from the show.

“It’s going to a very good cause - individuals with disablities,” she said. “This year we are trying to build a classroom. Everybody in the parish has been so supportive, but we need more sponsorships.”

She said former “Dancing for a Cause” dancer and attorney Matthew Pryor and radio personality JoJo Newsom will emcee; and, Parish President Tommy Martinez is the event’s honorary chairman.

General admission tickets for the semiformal event are $25 per person, including dinner, music, entertainment and a cash bar. Sponsorships start at $1,000 for a table.

For tickets or more information, call Morris at (225) 955-4683, or the ARC at (225) 621-2000.