Local celebs dancing for babies
Remember Jen Schefft? I don't, because I'm not much of a fan of reality television. But for those of you who remember Schefft, who starred on "The Bachelor," and later on season three of "The Bachelorette," be forewarned that she's been spending the last couple of weeks practicing for the "Dance for Babies" dance competition, which will benefit the March of Dimes.
Schefft has been taking lessons at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in downtown Chicago, guided by the watchful eye of Jason Rutz, who teaches dance at the Astaire Dance Studio in Hoffman Estates.
Schefft will dance against NBC-5 morning news anchor Zoraida Sambolin, FOX-32 meteorologist Amy Freeze and CLTV Metromix host Marcus Leshock, among others, each of which will dance a minute-long tango and minute long cha cha routine.
During intermission, the audience will have an opportunity to join in on the fun as professional dance instructors lead them in a mini-dance lesson.
"Dance for Babies" features cocktails, food, dancing and raffle prizes that include overnight hotel accommodations, dinners for two at trendy, local restaurants and more.
The event is on July 31 at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie in Chicago. For more information, or to purchase tickets or sponsorship packages, call Amanda at the March of Dimes at (312) 596-4722 or visit www.marchofdimes.com/illinois. Tickets are $75 each.
The March of Dimes has protected babies for 70 years, beginning with funding the research that led to the prevention of polio. Premature birth is the leading cause of death for infants in the first month of life. Since 1981, there has been a 27 percent increase in the rate of preterm birth in the United States and there is no known cause for nearly 50 percent of these premature births. For the latest resources and information, visit marchofdimes.com or nacersano.org.
Get your leis out: The Barefoot Hawaiian comes to Hoffman Estates at 7 p.m. tonight at the village green.
It's part of the arts commission and park district's Summer Sounds on the Green concert series. The group consists of 25 members who perform Polynesian song and dance. It's the fifth show of the seasonal concert series.
• Do you have any Hoffman Estates stories ideas? Contact Ashok Selvam at (847) 427-4475 or aselvam@dailyherald.com.