PC Youth Development Commission says, 'Thank you, Putnam County'

On behalf of the Putnam County Youth Development Commission we wish to extend our heartfelt appreciation to the Putnam County community for the ongoing support of our sixth annual event "Dancing with the PC Stars."

Words cannot begin to express how humbled we are to live in such an exceptional community that embraces our mission of serving the children and youth of Putnam County. This event continues to bring together the entire Putnam County community to have fun, highlight the areas outstanding talent, while raising money for our most precious assets, the youth of Putnam County.

This year our philanthropic event found a new home at the C Bar C Expo Center located in Cloverdale. We are thankful for this new partnership and wish to thank owners Carl and Cindy Harlan and Steve Jackson, facility manager, and the staff for their kindness and generosity.

In addition to a night filled with the most exciting, heart-pounding competition everyone has come to expect, we raised over $64,000, and once expenses from staging are finalized, proceeds should total over $40,000.00. Thank you Putnam County, this is absolutely amazing.

To our special volunteers whose work and selflessness means so much: Sherry Cash, Rita Goss, Narda Cotton, Suzy Freeman, Megan Wager, Melissa Van Wormer, Trisha Guinn, Shelly Chad, Cathy Tipton, Josh Gibson, Gabby Selvia, Bob and Linda Merkel, Bill Merkel, Tom Sutherlin, Ronnie Campbell, Stacey Baugh, Cathy Westman, Jennifer Edwards, Eileen Johnson, Samantha Richardson, Anna Harmless, Chris Torrance, Paula, Sarah, Grace and Katie Fry, Nancy Zennie, Beth Benedix and the wonderful help from First National Bank staff -- Marci Hoagland and Kim Franklin.

Thanks to our judges, Denny Bridges, Matt Headley and Trudy Selvia, co-hosts, Jana Brothers and Jeff Rich, Jerett Query, DJ; and Joel Bottoms videographer. We appreciate the partnership with Amber Bowers Photography and the amazing pictures she captures, and to Clay Carter and DePauw Media Services for their contributions of equipment and staff personnel.

Our dancing instructors continue to amaze everyone how in just a few short weeks they transform our stars into accomplished and competitive dancers. We begin with thanking Tara Gardner for her ongoing dedication and commitment to ensure the opening group number and individual routines will be entertaining and competitive.

Our other awesome instructors include: Lita and Brad Sandy, Logan Kuhne, Ashley Clute, Jessyca South, Emma Walker, Sarah Bond, Jack Earles, Lindsey Sullivan, Kristi Michael, Andrew Pace, David Roberts and David Smith. To our 2014 Putnam County "Stars," your sacrifice and competitive nature in making this event a night to remember will never be forgotten, the performances were absolutely entertaining and inspirational: Brian Black, Alyssa Chew, Debbi Christy, Amy Clark, Rachelle Custis, Sam Fry, Brice Hill, Paul Jedele, Chelsey Meluch, Sharon Owens, Martin Romer and Rob York.

We must not forget our returning alumni from 2009-2013 for their enjoyable performance in the opening group number: Teena Bryant, Mary Miller, Cindy Hennette, David Zeiner, Jason Chew, Chet Clodfelter, Penny Long, Tara Baugh, Dan McMurtry and Deb Smith.

The silent auction was another great success thanks to all the wonderful donations: Julie Goss, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Ball State University, Indianapolis Symphony Orchestra, Long John Silvers, Children's Museum, Snap Fitness, Mona Lisa Spa and Salon, Great Lakes Caring, Dairy Castle, Goody's, Walmart, Cincinnati Reds, attorney Jeff Boggess, Kroger, Headley Hardware, Chicago's Pizza, DePauw tennis coach Scott Riggle, Pizza King, Extreme Tanning, Ryan Newman Motorsports, Greencastle Parks and Recreation, Indianapolis Colts, Indianapolis Indians, Holiday World Splashin' Safari, Indiana Pacers, Casa Grande, Buffalo Wild Wings, Jedele Enterprises, Ron and Mary Anne Birt, Shedd Aquarium, Charlie's (Beefcake Burgers), John Force Racing, Chicago Cubs, Indiana Fever, Plainfield Recreation and Aquatic Center, Martha Sanders, Starbucks, Chief's, Cloverdale Community Schools, Greencastle Community Schools, North Putnam Community Schools, South Putnam Community Schools, Tony Stewart Racing, Cottage Garden, April Cornell, Fun in the Sun, Eddy-Lynn's Shrimp Farm, Ceramic Tart Water and Candles, Wildtree, Perfect World Slopes, Mike's Car Wash, Checkers VIP Club, Kings Island, Chet and Leslie Clodfelter, Fit For Life Fitness, Mary Kay Products, That Furniture Store, Art Party with Lori, Mason Jewelers, Co-Alliance, Charlotte Bobcats, Purdue basketball coach Matt Painter, UCLA basketball coach Steve Alford, Notre Dame football coach Brian Kelly, Tyler Eifert, Cincinnati Bengals, ISU Men's Basketball, IU Men's Basketball, Pampered Chef, West Coast Swing, Healthy Taste (Shakeology), Indianapolis Colts, First Star Athletics Cheer and Dance, Hendershots Auto Service, Clayton Homler Car Detailing, Frankie's Auto Care, Jerrod Baugh Home Defense Class, Paoli Peaks, Lazer Tag X-Site, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Big Slash Adventure (French Lick), Kiger Signs, McZ's Home Cupcakery, Brandee McKee, Dr. Brian Black, Precision Construction, Complete Property Restoration, Jeremy Black, Nancy E. Brock, Purple Cow, Dr. Armitage, Myers Market, Starbucks, Mamma Nunz, Debbi Christy and Putnam County Hospital.

We continue to appreciate the many families that support our open dress rehearsal; nine 55-gallon containers of non-perishable food items were shared with the following food pantries: Soul Harvest Church in Cloverdale, Putnam County Emergency Food Pantry, Beyond Homeless Shelter and Roachdale Christian Church.

The evening was a huge success; $40,000 will go a long way to support our mission of serving the children and young people of Putnam County.

Because of your heartfelt contributions, the following programs and events will continue to be offered at no cost to Putnam County families: CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) Program, Thinking for a Change, Putnam County Teen Court, Choices, Coats for Kids and National Night Out. Annually the PCYDC touches the lives of over 3,500 children. Thank you again, we are blessed.

We hope to see you next year as we present and celebrate our seventh annual event.