Elgin PADS fundraiser takes its cues from reality TV
"Dancing with the Stars" won't return to television until early March.
But, to tide you over, PADS of Elgin on Saturday will soon hold its own ever-expanding dance contest.
"It went really, really well the first year. It sold out (the Centre of Elgin) and we actually had to move to a bigger venue," said Brittany Mitchell, PADS special projects coordinator.
Now entering its third year, the dance-off is part of the annual Winter Harvest for the Homeless fundraiser.
In it, six Elgin "celebrity" couples work with a private dance instructor beforehand, learning to perform a themed routine.
Audience members at the dinner and auction make "donations" for their favorite dancers. Dancers also may gather pledges before the event.
Last year's fundraiser netted about $65,000, of which $10,000 was raised through the dance competition.
"They're committed to PADS and the cause and they really drum up support," Mitchell said, noting some couples are already interested in learning to dance. "To have a purpose behind it is a fun way to explore that."
Bryan and Sherry Kinser, an Elgin couple, learned about the contest from friends whose children also are in the Children's Theatre of Elgin.
Their dance is a mix between the Charleston, the fox trot and quick step.
The Kinsers have been practicing for months and acknowledge that a lot goes into a three-minute and 20-second routine.
"It's a lot harder than it looks. It's definitely been challenging. It's learning the dance and learning the technique," Sherry Kinser said.
"(Bryan) is a little nervous. I've danced since I was probably 4. In the last five years he's danced more and more," she added. We love to dance. and when it's for a good cause like this, it's certainly worth it."
Bryan Kinser said he's feeling a bit more pressure because the onus is on the man to lead.
He said his coordination skills from drumming helped with tap dancing, but didn't necessarily carry over.
"The ballroom thing is totally different. So we thought we'd give it a whirl, no pun intended," Bryan Kinser said. "It looks so easy on TV, but there's so many technical aspects to dancing (like shoulder and head position)."
Clemon McCullough, youth pastor of Second Baptist Church in Elgi and a member of the Elgin Area Leadership Academy, will dance the cha-cha with his wife, Dee.
He said the most challenging part so far was stepping out of his comfort zone. Overall, McCullough said it's helped him and Dee work together on and off the dance floor toward a common goal.
"You're dancing for something greater than you," he said. "It's been a real good experience, uplifting and upbeat to learn something new and get out to show folks 'If I can do it, you can do it.' We enjoy razzing the other couples, but at the end of the day, it's a good cause,"
Other contestants include: Nancy and Michael Doherty dancing the rumba; Jerry and Melinda Skogmo doing the waltz; Vincente and Crystal Espinoza performing a salsa routine; and Becky and Ryan Hardenkopf with East Coast Swing.
The event regularly draws more than 300 people. For information, call (847) 608-9744 or visit padsofelgin.org.
<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go</p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> The PADS of Elgin annual Winter Harvest for the Homeless fundraiser</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 6 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17</p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>The Stonegate Conference and Banquet Centre, 2401 W. Higgins Road, Hoffman Estates</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $85, a portion of which is tax deductible; includes dinner</p> <p class="News"><b>More info:</b> Call (847) 608-9744 or visit <a href="http://www.padsofelgin.org" target="new">padsofelgin.org</a>.</p>