News Summary
The annual Dancing with Our Stars event in Beaufort, SC, captivated the community with dazzling performances and raised over $258,814 for charity. Hosted by CAPA and the Exchange Club, local stars paired with professional dancers for a night of entertainment, showcasing the spirit of the community. The funds raised will support essential programs like the Open Arms Children’s Home, emphasizing the importance of charity and generosity in the Lowcountry.
Beaufort Sparkles with Dance and Generosity
Beaufort, SC, was filled with excitement and twinkling lights this past weekend as local stars traded in their everyday routines for dancing shoes at the highly anticipated Dancing with Our Stars event. This annual gala, held at the USCB Center for the Arts on March 14 and 15, 2025, was the talk of the town, bringing together community spirit and a fabulous celebration of talent for an incredible cause.
The Power of Dance
Hosted by the Child Abuse Prevention Association (CAPA) in collaboration with the Exchange Club of Beaufort, the event showcased *local luminaries* who paired up with professional dance instructors to create show-stopping performances. Each duo dazzled the audience, vying for awards while putting the spotlight on the invaluable work CAPA does in the community.
Remarkable Fundraising efforts
With an astonishing total of $258,814 raised, this year’s event exceeded expectations and promises to bolster the essential programs that CAPA offers. The funds from this spirited showcase will directly contribute to the Open Arms Children’s Home and other vital services provided by CAPA, including parenting education, community outreach, and foster care services.
A Journey of Preparation
Building up to the main event, a special kickoff dinner took place on November 21, 2024, where the eager participants met their partners and began their journey of twirls and turns. The excitement culminated in a fantastic Preview Show on March 14, giving audiences a taste of the magic to come on the final night.
Shining Stars and Prizes
The grand showdown on March 15 crowned several winners in various categories that delighted the audience. The coveted People’s Choice Award went to the talented duo K Squared, featuring star Kelly Collins and instructor Kimani Brown-Carpenter. The Judges’ Choice Award was clutched by the dynamic pair of Greg Godfrey and Hannah Lienhop, known for their routine titled Gunpowder And Lead. The Kids’ Choice Award was proudly taken home by Fire & Flow, led by Casey Phelps and Megan Clavijo.
In addition to these accolades, the Alumni Choice Award was won by Dee Simpson and Shykeem Gardner with their team Height And Hustle. The thrill didn’t stop there; The Belles, with star Allison Summerall and instructor Amy Arias, stole hearts with their creativity to win for Best Choreography, while the award for Best Costume went to Jennifer Tuckwiller and Ellyn Grace Tuckwiller for their show-stopping “Man”-ifesting The Mirrorball. Each award highlighted not just talent, but also the fun, creativity, and heart that these community members poured into their performances.
A Heartfelt Community Celebration
As CAPA celebrated the 40th anniversary of the Open Arms Children’s Home just days before the event, the support from the community was more crucial than ever. As expressed by the CAPA Executive Director, the remarkable turnout and financial backing will aid in the continuation of essential services for *children and families in the Lowcountry*.
Community Thanks
A special shout-out was extended to all the participants, sponsors, volunteers, and enthusiastic attendees who made Dancing with Our Stars possible this year. Not forgetting the Beaufort County Channel, who beautifully live-streamed the event, allowing even more folks to join in on the celebrations from afar.
With hearts full of gratitude and excitement for the future, the evening was a beautiful reminder of what can be achieved with *community spirit and a little bit of dance magic*. Here’s to many more years of fun and generosity!
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Additional Resources
- Your Island News: Dancing with Our Stars Again a Huge Success for CAPA
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dance
- Your Island News: Lafayette Returns Beaufort Celebrates 200th Anniversary of the Marquis Historic Visit
- Google Search: Community Events in Beaufort SC
- Your Island News: Lowcountry Life
- Google News: Child Abuse Prevention Association
- The Washington Daily News: Inner Banks STEM Marks Successful Dinner Dance
- Google Search: Beaufort Community Events
