The third annual Dancing Stars of Greenwich charity dance-off Gala for Abilis will be held in conjunction with The Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich, Saturday, September 25, 2021, at the Tamarack Country Club in Greenwich.
Abilis is a nonprofit organization that provides services and support for more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families.
This year’s event features celebrity judges Brendan Fraser, eight-time award winning actor; Ali Wentworth, co-creator, star and co-executive producer of the “Head Case” series, former correspondent with the “The Oprah Winfrey Show;” and Tony Dovolani, Dancing with the Stars: All-Star Season, season 15 champion and co-national dance director For Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Billy Blanks Jr. will be the master of ceremonies. Billy is creator and host of Dance It Out TV on Lifetime Television, choreographer and dancer who has worked with Paula Adbul, Madonna, Celine Dion, Quincy Jones and more, as well as being the creative director of Talent Recap.
“We are so excited to have Dancing Stars of Greenwich back this year supporting Abilis,” noted Amy Montimurro, CEO and president of Abilis. “It is one of the most fun nights ever and we are so thrilled The Fred Astaire Dance Studio is partnering with us again to bring this amazing event to Greenwich.”
This fun event features local celebrities and community leaders performing choreographed dance routines, mirroring the hit TV show. Dancing pairs are sponsored by donations to Abilis, with the top fundraising team awarded the “People’s Choice Award.” A panel of celebrity judges and the audience decides who will win the coveted mirror ball trophy. Dancing Stars of Greenwich is hosted by actor and actress Brendan and Afton Fraser and guests will enjoy an evening of live entertainment, music, dancing, a champagne reception, hors d’oeuvres and a silent auction.
Brendan and Afton Fraser have been big supporters of Dancing Stars of Greenwich and Abilis over the years. They are parents to a son with special needs and know personally how crucial programs and supports like Abilis offers are to families with children and adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Funds raised at the Dancing Stars of Greenwich event will go toward supporting Abilis’ new expansion into Darien, which includes new residential homes, a LEAP program, employment opportunities with The Café at Darien Library, and REACH.
“We are proud to support Dancing Stars of Greenwich and Abilis to help raise funds for Abilis’ programs and services,” said Afton Fraser. “We know how much it means to a family to have an organization like Abilis that can help provide training, educational, social and employment opportunities for those with special needs. It can mean the difference between living an isolated life and one full of friends and with meaning. They are really a great organization, and we are happy to help in any way."
Dancers at the event include: Trevor Crow, Dr. George Tsangaroulis, Marysa Fiorita, Dr. Katie Takayasu, Cesar Rabellino, Catherine Polisi Jones, Geri Genovese, Elaine Madonna, Rita Lurito and Afton Fraser. Each dancer is paired with a partner from The Fred Astaire Studio and includes: Christian Perry, Sanja Pavlovic, Dusan Kostic, Clemens Lengenfelder and Elmar Schmidt.
“Dancing Stars of Greenwich is full of all the fun, glitz and glamour of the hit TV show Dancing with the Stars!” noted Elmar Schmidt, owner and ballroom dance instructor of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Greenwich. “Local stars and leaders in the community have been training to compete just like on television. And, just like on the hit TV show, a panel of celebrity judges along with the audience, selects the winner who will win the coveted Mirrorball trophy.”
To make a donation or check ticket availability, please visit dancingstarsgreenwich.net
For more information, visit www.abilis.us, or facebook.com/Abilisinc, twitter.com/Abilis, or instagram.com/abilis_us.
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