WASHINGTON — On November 9th, local stars in the DC area came together to compete in the DC Dancing Stars Gala, including WUSA9's Kristen Berset-Harris! While attendees were eager to see their favorite DC celebrities show off their sweet dance moves after months of rehearsal, the total amount of money raised for various charities was also worth it.
Mike Manatos was the overall winner for the celebrity portion of the competition. Manatos raised over $70,000 and added an additional $10,000 for his charity of choice, the Make-A-Wish foundation.
While Manatos grooved his way to the first place spot, United States Olympian and Director of the Georgetown University Track & Field/Cross Country program, Julie Culley took home the runner up prize which was an additional $5,000 for her charity of choice, the Jennifer Bush-Lawson Foundation.
With the Corporate Challenge portion, Lindsey Keatley raised over $121,000-- a new fundraising record for a single dancer.
As for Kristen, she raised close to $26,000 for the For 3 Sisters breast cancer organization based in Olney, Maryland. She kept the crowd energized with a Cha Cha performance to Carrie Underwood's "Good Girl".
Overall, the competitors and their supporters raised over $450,000, a new one-year record for the gala, creating a six-year total of $1,750,000.
“It was our 6th Gala with exciting dance performances by another fabulous group of generous leaders in our community. It was thrilling to watch these dancers battle it out with stunning costumes and spectacular routines. We added a new element that got the crowd on their feet - Fan Faces of all 13 dancers filled the ballroom and added to the competitive spirit that helped make it a record-setting night.” said Maria Coakley David, CEO of C.J. Coakley Co., Inc. and co-founder and co-chair of DCs Dancing Stars Gala.
While the night shined on each competitor, the judges' panel also gathered some attention. "The Voice of the Washington Redskins" himself Larry Michael served on the judges' panel. Joining him was WUSA9's Darren Haynes along with Chelsie Hightower from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars.
For more information on other celebrities who competed and the competition itself, visit dcdancingstarsgala.com.
