Stars Dance for PADS highlight of winter fundraiser

Submitted by PADS of Elgin Inc.

PADS of Elgin Inc., will present its annual Winter Harvest for the Homeless on Saturday, Jan. 28. The event, which includes dinner, dancing and silent auction, will take place at a new location, the Crystal Lake Holiday Inn, 800 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake.

This year’s event will mark the sixth anniversary of the “Stars Dance for PADS of Elgin” dance contests. Where volunteer teams from the area train and perform a dance show for audience enjoyment and votes.

Dancers competing in the dance contest include:

Team 1: Dr. Dori Poulos and Dr. Angelo Bravos, with instructor Rosa Prado.

Team 2: George Rawlinson and Chris Danzi, with instructor Boris Medved.

Team 3: Teresa Britton and Gregorio Posada, with instructor Abbie Ecklund.

Team 4: Amy Edwards and Gary Skott, with instructors Celia and Maria G. Lopez.

Team 5: John and Peggy Fahy, with instructor Tonya Hudson

Team 6: The Spartan Five featuring David Sam and ECC faculty

You can help your favorite dance team win in two ways. First, by attending the event to contribute your support to them that evening. Or if you are unable to attend, for the first time, people are able to vote online in advance for their favorite team. Simply log onto events.org/pads2011 to vote via credit card (there is a $10 minimum for online votes, but votes in the form of cash or check are always accepted at the PADS office in any amount). Each dollar contributed counts as one vote, and supports your favorite team as well as PADS. To view rehearsal updates and photos from teams and receive event updates, visit padsofelgin.org/newsandevents or the PADS of Elgin Inc. Facebook page.

This annual event represents PADS largest yearly fundraiser. Proceeds from this night, held during one of the coldest months of the year, literally keep the doors open for hundreds of men, women and children who rely on PADS to provide safe shelter for them each year. Tickets cost $85 and sponsorship opportunities are available by contacting the PADS office at (847) 608-9744.

PADS of Elgin Inc., is a nonprofit, community-based organization, which provides emergency, overnight shelter to homeless men, women and children within Elgin, Dundee and Hanover Townships. PADS is a catalyst in fostering community and social service agency partnerships, which effectively and efficiently provide coordinated services for short- and intermediate-term customized care, targeting client growth, development and self-sufficiency.