Dancing with Putnam County Stars finds new home for 2014

The sixth annual Dancing with the Putnam County has been kicked off with the selection of contestants for this year. The contestants and instructors (back, from left) Marty Romer, Rob York, Debbi Christy, Paul Jedele Brice Hill and Brad Sandy, (front, left) Jessyca South, Ashley Clute, Sarah Bond, Alyssa Chew, Rachelle Custis, Sharon Owens, Chelsey Meluch, Sam Fry, Lita Sandy and Tara Gardner got together for the first time this weekend. Not pictured are Brian Black and Amy Clark.

The 6th annual Dancing with the Putnam County Stars philanthropic event has a new home this year with the 2014 event to be staged May 3 at the C Bar C Expo Center located in Cloverdale.

Linda Merkel, director of the PC Youth Development Commission, is excited about the move, the opportunity and the new partnership.

"This facility can offer so much for our event not to mention the size, five acres under roof," she said. "We guarantee our guests this will be an exciting evening and an opportunity to experience Indiana's premier equine facility.

"We want to thank the owners, Carl and Cindy Harlan, and Steve Jackson, the facility manager, for their kindness and generosity in providing this excellent venue and to help make our upcoming event a night to remember."

The annual Putnam County Youth Development Commission fund-raiser is scheduled for Saturday, May 3 from 5:30 to 10:30 p.m.

"We are eager for you to see all of our incredibly talented Putnam County Stars in each of these demanding and diverse genres of dance," Merkel said.

The evening will begin with social time, silent auction, 50/50 raffle, buffet dinner, open dance and cash bar.

The opening group number should begin around 7:30 p.m. followed by the 12 performances. The evening will conclude with the crowning of the 6th annual Dancing with the Putnam County Stars champion for 2014.

There are several ways to partner with the agency to promote your business while sponsoring a worthwhile cause, Merkel said.

"The success of the fundraiser is credited largely to our sponsors who lend their names and financial support to the event," she said.

The money raised each year goes to support the following programs: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate), Coats for Kids, Choices Program, Putnam County Teen Court, Thinking for a Change and National Night Out.

Organizations will benefit from extended exposure through media campaigns and promotion efforts directed toward supporters. There are four different levels of sponsorships available: Diamond ($750), Gold ($500), Silver ($200) and Bronze ($100).

For more information about the sponsorships, persons may contact the PC Youth Development Commission office at 653-9342.

Tickets will soon be available at the following prices: Premium table, $800, located directly around the dance floor, or regular table for $360. All tables seat eight guests but can seat nine comfortably if needed.

Individual tickets are $45 each. All ticket prices include a buffet dinner.

"We couldn't continue to provide such an outstanding premier event without the ongoing support of Dance Workshop," Merkel stressed. "They continue to partner with us and ensure our dancers and instructors are ready for an evening of fun, excitement and competition like none other.

"And to our new class of 2014 PC Stars, you are the real heroes, without your sacrifice and dedication over the next 12 weeks, this event would not be successful, we are humbled by your sincere generosity, you will always be a part of the PCYDC family, thank you."