Geneva community dancing for charity

Nothing like samba, sparkles and swing to bring in a bit of much needed ka-ching.

Members of the Geneva community will compete in a dazzling charity event called Dancing with the Geneva Stars on Feb. 7, 2009 at the Eagle Brook Country Club. Contestants will twirl, twist and trot to win over hearts - and dollars.

"We wanted to try a fresh, new idea for a fundraiser," said event Chairman Carolyn Hill. "What could be better than an evening of entertainment?"

Modeled after the popular television show "Dancing with the Stars", six couples will take to the stage in a variety of musical styles, complete with theatrical costuming. You will be able to vote for the favorites by donating dollars. Every dollar will count as one vote toward the couple. The winning couple will have generated the most money.

Just like the show, participants in Dancing with the Geneva Stars will be aiming for high scores. Unlike the show, many of these dancers have little to no dance experience.

"I am just hoping not to embarrass myself," said participant Tom Rogers, principal of Geneva High School. "I couldn't say no, since it's for such a great cause, but I really don't know what to expect."

The teams were chosen to reflect different segments of the community. Well-known faces from the park district, schools and police force have all agreed to lend a hand. The couples are Steve and Sheila Persinger, Tom and Mary Rogers, Tim and Sue Baker, Joe Greenberg and Beth Franke, Dave and Pat Heun, and Terry and Teresa Keenan.

The profits will benefit the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission and its partner, the Geneva Academic Foundation. The commission puts on numerous musical and dramatic productions throughout the year to promote cultural arts in the community. Most of these events are free to the public, making funding a challenge.

To make Dancing with the Geneva Stars as dramatic as possible, the commission is looking for sponsors.

Sponsorship will go toward many aspects of the show, including dance lessons from State Street Dance Studio. A team of choreographers will assist the contestants in turning their novice steps into smooth moves.

"I'm living out my dancing fantasy!" said contestant Sheila Persinger. "You forget all the stress of the day when you're practicing."

All of the couples are hoping their hard work will add up to a lot of donations for the cause. There will be a limited amount of seating for the actual performance, but anyone will be able to vote for their favorites by sending in special ballots that will be available through local Geneva merchants after the start of the new year.

For now, the couples are excited to meet their competitors and start learning their routines.

"I think there will be a lot of humor and camaraderie among us," Persinger said.

Rogers agrees. "There's already been a bit of ribbing going on, but it's all in good fun."

For information on becoming a sponsor or mor details, call the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission at (630) 938-4530.