Menu
Two more vying for 2010 dancing crown
GREENCASTLE -- Twelve Putnam County celebrities will take to the dance floor April 9 as part of the second annual Dancing With the Putnam County Stars, a fundraiser for the Putnam County Youth Development Commission.
The event will closely resemble "Dancing With the Stars," the popular ABC television show. The local stars have been working for weeks with professional dance partners.
Here is a closer look at Daniel TeGrotenhuis and David Wells, two of the competitors.
Daniel TeGrotenhuis
TeGrotenhuis is the principal of Tzouanakis Intermediate School in Greencastle. He has been married to wife Allyson for 37 years, and they have two children -- son Josh lives in Indianapolis, and daughter Abby lives in Grand Rapids, Mich.
In his spare time, TeGrotenhuis enjoys reading, bicycling and gardening.
"I spend most of my time with Greencastle Community Schools activities and those of Greencastle Christian Church," he said.
He admitted his dance experience wasn't extensive.
"I have limited experience other than weekly dances during high school and college in Iowa," he said. "My present dancing revolves around weddings."
TeGrotenhuis was asked to participate in last year's Dancing With the Stars event, but a scheduling conflict caused him to withdraw.
"My wife never misses the TV show, so I have watched for years," he said. "This is a great cause to support."
TeGrotenhuis said he agreed to be a part of the event because it was an opportunity not only to support children and youth, but also to have fun and get in some exercise.
David Wells
Wells is a service representative for Carpenters Union Local No. 859. He and his wife Amy have two daughters, Amanda (Matt) Mullenix and Ashley Wells. They have one granddaughter, Katelynn Joleen Mullenix.
Wells' hobbies include golf, bowling, camping and working on his and his wife's new home.
He has no dance experience and said he has "no clue" why he agreed to dance in the Dancing With the Putnam County Stars event.
"Seriously, I'm a sucker when it comes to doing things for kids," he said. "And it's hard to say no to Linda. It's a good cause."
In participating in DWTS, Wells hopes to "meet more people, learn to dance, help PC Youth raise more money and have a once in a lifetime evening."
Anyone who was unable to get tickets can attend the open dress rehearsal scheduled for April 8 at 7 p.m. at the Dixie Chopper Business Center. The show will be run in its entirety, but no judges will be present.
There will not be a cost to attend the rehearsal, however, organizers ask that attendees bring canned food items to donate. All donations will be shared with the four food pantries throughout Putnam County.
Anyone unable to attend the event can still support the PCYDC by making a donation. For more information, call 653-9342.
Dance Workshop and Dixie Chopper are sponsoring the event.