Dancing with the local stars raises close to $121,000
Fort Vancouver National Trust’s “Dancing with the Local Stars presented by Waste Connections” raised nearly $121,000 last weekend, the largest total in the event’s six-year history.
More than 420 people attended last Saturday’s dance competition, which was held at the Pearson Air Museum. Based on the format of the TV 
program “Dancing with the Stars,” eight local “stars” were partnered with Arthur Murray Dance Studio instructors and were taught dance routines during a series of lessons. The community was encouraged to vote for their favorite dancer with their dollars both online and at the event. The dancer who raised the most money was declared the winner.
This year’s winner was Jason Hudson, division vice president for Southern Washington, Waste Connections. Hudson performed a country polka with his dance partner Shirah Walker, an Arthur Murray dance instructor.
Proceeds from the event support the Trust’s programs at the Fort Vancouver National Site.
“Without the hard work of these eight community stars this event would not be possible,” said Elson Strahan, president and CEO of the Fort Vancouver National Trust. “We are immensely grateful for their dedication and support.”
Each of the celebrity dancers was awarded a trophy for categories voted on by the audience. The celebrity dancers, their dance styles and their awards are:
▪ Gilda Ciraulo, Westby Associates, Inc., Argentine tango and salsa, best technical performance
▪ Tina Olson, CCEHC “Adopt a Horse” program volunteer, the bolero, best costume
▪ Jennifer Rhoads, First Independent Bank, tango, best overall performance
▪ D’Alene White, Clark County Juvenile Court, cha-cha, most creative performance
▪ Albert Angelo III, Al Angelo Company, hip-hop medley, most outrageous
▪ Rod Cook, Alpine Auto Body, Latin medley, best natural talent
▪ Jason Hudson, Waste Connections, country polka, fan favorite and the winning dancer
▪ Paul Montague III, Identity Clark County, tango, best entrance
[Jason Hudson (pictured above) of Waste Connections won the 2011 Dancing with the Local Stars]
